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ST. PETER’S SINFONIA (St, Peter’s Church, Hall Green, March 2)

26-02-2008

It’s the inaugural (and also possibly farewell) performance by this 30-piece string orchestra, formed by some of Birmingham’s most talented young players. They’ll be under the baton of teenager Alpesh Chauhan in this charity fundraiser.

17-year old Alpesh is already Principal Cellist with the CBSO Youth Orchestra, and he’s at the helm for this Children's Society benefit for this 90 minute programme which features four pieces, all by household names, but with much for serious students of classical music to get their teeth into.

Opening with Divertimento in D Major, composed in 1772 when Mozart was just sixteen, described by Chauhan as “quintessential classical music, as one would expect of the composer”. Elgar’s challenging Introduction and Allegro Opus 47 follows, regarded today as a masterpiece, it debuted to a lukewarm reception in 1905 when the composer himself conducted the London Symphony Orchestra.

The second half of the evening commences with Bach’s multi-faceted Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 in G, featuring (as the composer intended) an improvised violin passage, before the performance closes with Mendelssohn’s substantial Sinfonia for Strings No. 9 in C. A formidable piece for any young orchestra, but one rich in possibilities, the Trio section of the Third Movement was supposedly inspired by yodelling songs Mendelssohn heard while holidaying in Switzerland.

With players drawn from a variety of the region’s most accomplished local youth orchestras and music schools (all members have achieved at least Grade 8, the Royal School of Music’s highest numbered Grade), the quality of performance should be memorable. However, with many preparing for music exams in the coming months and already committed to other orchestras, quartets etc, there are no plans for further performances by this particular ensemble.

Tickets (£6, £5 concessions) will be available on the door or by phoning 07794 637 174 in advance.