Rockhampton Symphony Orchestra – RSO and QSO Collaboration (2018-2019)

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About the Project

Rockhampton Symphony Orchestra (RSO) undertook professional workshops with conductor Richard Davis including expert tuition from Queensland Symphony Orchestra (QSO) musicians. The workshops culminated in Silver Screen in Symphony - an orchestral performance by RSO with QSO, featuring music from blockbuster movies.

When and Where 

Professional workshops took place at Rockhampton Girls Grammar School on the 8th-9th and 21st-22nd of November 2019, with the resulting performance occurring at the Pilbeam Theatre during the evening of Friday the 22nd November 2019. 

Facts, Figures and Statistics

Number of attendees at performances:

 596

Number of participants:

 45

Number of artists/cultural workers employed:

 20

Number of people employed in other paid positions:

 10

Number of volunteers engaged:

 12

Type of sectors partnered with:

 Media, finance, entertainment, tourism 

Percentage of survey respondents answering 'good' or 'excellent' to the question:
 Overall, how would you rate this activity?
(response options - excellent, good, average, poor, very poor)

 100% (total of 50 respondents)
 
RADF Funding

$3,500 

Outcomes Identified by Grant Recipient/s
  1. The opportunity for RSO players to further develop technical and performance skills under the leadership of a professional conductor. The interpretation of the repertoire was raised to a professional level.
  2. Richard Davis significantly raised the performance standard of the orchestra with his expertise in finding orchestral balance and encouraging soloists to lead with stylistic and rubato playing. The interaction between the local amateur and guest professionals with the inspiration of visiting conductor raised the confidence of the orchestra to perform at a very high standard.
  3. Local musicians (ages 15-82) including music teachers, conductors and students gained technical skills and confidence, the flow-on effect of which will strengthen regional artistic vibrancy and grow community and corporate support for, and attendance at, live performance events. The resulting concert with support from Alliance of Regional Costumers was an outstanding success with an audience of almost 600 demanding an encore through a standing ovation.
Reflections and Learnings
  1. Having a professional conductor to raise the performance standard of the orchestra for our major performances is paramount. Richard Davis was very effective in communicating musical nuances as well as encouraging musicians of diverse ages, experience and competence.
  2. A professional conductor who is charismatic and liked by the orchestra players helps to attract the top local musicians and raise the performance standard. Having a professional guest conductor who communicates well with both the visiting professional players and local musicians, and then encourages social interaction between the players is an important part of building the foundations of a regional, aspirational semi-professional symphony orchestra. Local orchestral musicians rarely get to experience to travel to major centres or hear and perform with professionals. The workshops with Richard Davis inspired local musicians to a greater individual and ensemble standard otherwise achievable.
Audience Feedback / Artist Comments

“A pure asset for the musical community and everyone in the audience. Don't ever miss an RSO concert again!!!!” 

“Amazing show, such a wide variety of music. Every concert is better than the last!” 

“Awesome performers who put on a fantastic show!”

“What an awesome concert Friday night at Pilbeam. Was wonderful to hear how much the orchestra has lifted since concert back in May. Having QSO players has inspired all players to raise to the occasion. Suggestion future concert should be music from popular musicals. Would love this. Almost as much as silver screen. Thanks for entertaining us.” 

“Awesome concert on Friday night. Forrest Gump suite gave me goosebumps. John Williams Star Wars is always amazing to experience with a live orchestra. Thanks to everyone that made this happen”

“Every show has been amazing! Look forward to the next one."

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