- DURATION 60 mins
Event Description
Discover the mighty machine that is the symphony orchestra, with Claire as your guide! Have you ever wondered how all the players in an orchestra work together so seamlessly? Or maybe you’ve always wondered what the conductor is really doing – and are the players really watching them?
During this event, Claire will take you behind the scenes, to see how orchestras work in rehearsal and concert. By the end of the session, you will know what the orchestra leader does, why the orchestra tunes to the oboe, why string players sit in pairs, the etiquette of playing in an orchestra, some of the different techniques instruments use, and more. On the way we will find out which instrument is the most joked about, and some of the trials and tribulations which can occur within an orchestral family.
Get the inside story of the orchestra from someone who plays in one! This event is designed for anyone who wants to explore and appreciate the wonders of music, regardless of their music background or instrumental skills.
- Duration: 60 mins
- Online Zoom event: Join from your computer, phone or tablet (no replay available)
Meet the Host, Claire
Born and raised in Cornwall, Claire came to Cardiff to undertake a music degree at the University of Wales, Cardiff.
She graduated in 2003, with specialisms in recital, ensemble, performance practice, and 19th Century opera; her dissertation subject was Puccini’s Madama Butterfly.
Claire plays the viola in the Cardiff Philharmonic Orchestra, with whom she has worked with performers including Brian Blessed and Michael Sheen, and also writes programme notes for the orchestra. For several years she was Principal Viola at the Harlech Orchestral Summer School, where she performed many major orchestral solos.
Claire loves all kinds of music. She plays the violin, ukulele, banjolele, and sings in The Withering Raspberries; ukulele and banjolele in The Ukulele Wolves; and sings in Quaynotes Choir. In 2010 she played viola on the UK top 30 album Dirt by Kids In Glass Houses. She also plays the piano, mandolin, and guitar.
Claire believes passionately that music belongs to everyone, and especially enjoys bringing to life the stories of composers and their works.
Preparing for the Event
For the best experience, you will need to have Zoom downloaded onto your computer. Please ensure you're connected to broadband/wifi rather than using your mobile phone connection (3G/4G).
We also recommend that pets are either calmly sitting on your lap or in another room, and any refreshments you may require are within your reach!
More Information
What if I can’t make the event?
If a recording’s available for the event, you can still register for it and we will send you an email with a link to a recording shortly after it ends.
Will my camera be on and will I be visible to the other people?
Your camera and microphone does not need to be on for you to enjoy the event. The choice about whether to do this is completely yours.
How do I watch the live event?
Rest Less events are hosted on Zoom, a computer application that allows you to attend online events just by clicking a link. For detailed instructions, please go to our "FAQ" page, which you can find a link to in the nav bar at the top of the page.
How do I sign-up for and access the recording? (Recorded events only)
Book the event as normal (as if you are attending live). After the event ends you will automatically receive a post-event email with a link to the recording, as long as the event was recorded. You do not need to do anything else and there is no separate booking process for recordings only. Please note it can take up to 24 hours for Zoom to process recordings.