New Baroque orchestra for Cambridge

The Faculty of Music, University of Cambridge, is currently in the process of establishing an orchestra of Baroque instruments, which will be used as part of its programme of encouraging practical music-making within the University. This new initiative will build on the Baroque string coaching already available within the Faculty, and it is hoped that the new orchestra's members will benefit from a sustained programme of coaching sessions, rehearsals and performances scheduled by the Faculty.

The orchestra, when complete, will consist of four first violins, four second violins, three violas, two cellos, one double bass, two flutes, two oboes, one bassoon, three trumpets, two horns, one harpsichord (already available) and one continuo organ.

The Faculty of Music has already raised the sum of £77,000 from its own resources, and the University's Societies Syndicate has recently made a most generous grant of £24,000 towards the project. This has enabled the Faculty to purchase six Baroque violins, two violas, one cello, one double bass and two flutes.The Faculty has also bought a Baroque cello made by David Rubio in 1987, based on a 1770 Stradivarius model. Two oboes and a bassoon have been commissioned, and the Faculty is working hard to raise the money to commission the brass instruments and continuo organ to complete the project.

The inaugural concert for the Baroque Ensemable with the Cambridge University Chamber Choir will be on Monday, 12 February 2007, at 7.30pm at the Faculty of Music on West Road. It is being sponsored by Cambridge Pianoforte and includes works by Purcell, Locke, Handel and Hellendal.

Booking is available through the Corn Exchange Box Office on 01223 357851 - tickets £6 (students £2).

Cambridge Pianoforte and Music Gallery
www.cambridgemusic.net
10-12 Kings Hedges Road, Cambridge CB4 2PA
01223 424007