Extremities
ANDREW HAMILTON
Audiences at the Music Hall in Aberdeen witnessed a technical triumph last night as 160 north-east musicians played in harmony.
Graham Fitkin's Ring Cycle, inspired by Wagner's work, was a world premiere, and featured musicians from across Aberdeen and beyond.
The evening's full programme was entitled Extremities, and featured four orchestral pieces before the grand finale of Ring Cycle.
The performers for that piece comprised Aberdeen University's string ensemble and symphony orchestra, the Bon Accord Silver Band, and the Granite City Brass Band.
Schoolchildren also featured, along with students of Aberdeen College, Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen Music Centres, and a large number of accordionists, saxophonists, and percussionists.
The concert was arranged by Woodend Arts Association, near Banchory, and Aberdeen University, as part of their continuing contemporary music event for the north-east, the sound Festival.
During final rehearsals yesterday afternoon, Pete Stollery, who is head of music at Aberdeen University, said the concert was shaping up well despite the logistical challenges.
He said: "It is a big challenge to get everyone into this space together and things are hectic, but everyone has worked very hard and it's coming together."
Mr Fitkin, who is an award-winning composer, said the name Extremities was intended to reflect the style of the performance.
He said: "To get 160 people into the one space is a pretty extreme thing to do, and the music of Ring Cycle itself is also pretty extreme."
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Article by Andrew Hamilton, published by Press and Journal on 20th November 2006
