NSWO NewsNottingham Symphonic Wind Orchestra trip the light fantastic on BBC Radio 3(July 02, 2011)
Listen again until Weds 6 July 2011 - from 2hrs 10 mins Nottingham Symphonic Wind Orchestra (NSWO) were among the ensembles selected to participate in recording events with BBC Radio 3, in conjunction with Making Music, to celebrate British Light Music. Their recording was broadcast on Radio 3 on 29th June. Celebrating the ‘lighter side' of orchestral music. Radio 3's 'Light Fantastic' festival aired with the best of British light music. Radio 3 invited the NSWO group to the BBC Manchester studio for a recording session in the main recording studio, studio 7, home of the BBC Philharmonic, and scene of many historic recordings. NSWO were among the final groups to ever be recorded in the hall, as the BBC moves premises shortly and no more recording will be made on the Oxford Road site. So, it was with a sense of some trepidation and excitement that the group headed north for the recording. Quickly adapting to the unaccustomed surroundings thanks to the professionalism of the BBC team and the experience of conductor Keiron Anderson, NSWO recorded all three movements of Anderson’s ‘Radio Days’, a tribute to British light music complete with BBC radio announcements. Heading back to Nottingham with a sense of achievement, group members were on a high. More was to come though, as not only was a track from the group’s CD ‘October’ played on BBC Radio 3 the following day, but also the producers chose to broadcast the entire work as recorded in Manchester, more than 15 minutes of air time. To be selected from so many groups from around the country who applied to participate, then to be allocated such a generous slot for broadcast has been a real highlight in the group’s history. “Light music and concert bands have been considered poor relations of the orchestral repertoire and the symphony orchestra but are undergoing a revival”, says Nicola Pennill, NSW Chairman. “The wonderful John Wilson and his orchestra have helped to raise the profile of this exciting genre of music, which audiences really love. Suzy Klein in her recent Guardian article mentions NSWO as an example of the new generation of groups which ensure light music in Britain is a dynamic and evolving. New works such as Keiron’s ‘Radio Days’ may play to the audience’s love of nostalgia but can still be fresh and exciting to play. That’s why we love playing this style of music and are so keen to share it with audiences.”
Nottingham Symphonic Wind Orchestra get tuned up in Studio 7, BBC Manchester, ready to start recording. Photograph: Alison Bailey Other members of the group have also found the experience a hugely satisfying one. “It was fantastic to have been invited to record in Studio 7, New Broadcasting House, former home of the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, and privileged to have been part of the history of that famous studio.” David Wesker, bassoon “I am really proud to be part of NSWO. Sunday morning rehearsals are my favourite bit of the week (hard work but rewarding) and recording for Radio 3 was the icing on the cake.” Mel Bracewell, French Horn “A fantastic experience! I am so proud of what we achieved that day.” Dawn Bradley, Alto Clarinet
‘The Charge of the Light Brigade’ Suzy Klein, The Guardian 24th June 2011
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