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The Arensky Chamber Orchestra's 2011 Season: The UK's newest young orchestra to open at Cadogan Hall in January (BK)

The Arensky Chamber Orchestra (ACO)  has just announced its 2011 inaugural season, featuring guest artists Andrew Haveron, Clio Gould, Stephanie Gonley and Melvyn Tan.  Formed in 2009 by a group of London-based musicians, the orchestra's  mission is to create unique concert experiences that heighten the emotional impact of live music through original concepts and combinations of delivery, programming, players and venue. The group aims to bring about change, not for change’s sake, they say but 'because the music it plays and the era we live in demand it.'

The ACO's guest directors are leading international musicians. With no permanent director,  ACO has the freedom to constantly explore and re-invent the repertoire, whether classical, cotemporary, world, folk or jazz.  The players are some of the best young professionals in the UK, chosen for their commitment, versatility and passion.  The venues - including the debut season at  Cadogan Hall - will be chosen in order to add to a particular programme and, as such, will not necessarily be the traditional concert spaces associated with classical music. Programmes will be devised to showcase particular pieces through juxtaposition with other works or in collaboration with the other arts. Delivery promises to be unique, providing 'an engrossing and original experience for audiences.'

Two examples given in the ACO press release are: 'a cross-media experience featuring Schoenberg’s brooding masterpiece Verklärte Nacht against a backdrop of specially commissioned artwork celebrating the piece and a gripping reading of the poem'  and  'a midnight mystery concert and the thrill of recognition as the first hushed notes of Mozart’s monumental Requiem resonate through the hall.'

The 2011 season comprises four events:  16th January directed by Andrew Haveron (leader, BBCSO) -   19th March directed by Clio Gould (leader, RPO, London Sinfonietta) - 9th July directed by Stephanie Gonley (leader, ECO) and 20th November featuring Melvyn Tan (international soloist). Full concert details will be released on September 16th.

Bill Kenny