THE Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra will play its first ever “Live Sessions” performances in New
Norfolk later this week, with shows on Friday and Saturday. TSO chief executive Caroline Sharpen said the 15-piece TSO brass and percussion ensemble musicians were excited about performing in the Derwent Valley for the first time.
“The Live Sessions are relaxed and informal – they’re all about everyone having a bit of fun while enjoying high quality orchestral music,” Ms Sharpen said. “Even our musicians swap their usual formal performance attire for jeans, t-shirts and Blundstones just to bring the formality down a few notches.”
Ms Sharpen said in the spirit of being a little more laid back, Live Sessions were played in more casual locations. “Since Live Sessions started in 2016, we’ve played in microbreweries, clubs, beer gardens, community halls – even an airport hangar.”
The New Norfolk performances will be at the War Memorial Hall, with food and drink available throughout the night. “Seating is at tables, so it really suits groups looking to enjoy a bit of music and a few drinks – including offerings from local producers,” Ms Sharpen said.
The ensemble features French horns, trumpets, flugelhorn, trombones, euphonium, tuba, and an array of percussion instruments. It is conducted by Simon Reade who plays trumpet and is also a composer and UTAS teacher.
“It will be performing everything from the soft and soulful to the brassy and brilliant including the YouTube hit O magnum mysterium by Morton Lauridsen and Quidditch, from Harry Potter – there’s really something for everyone, and we’d love to see as many people as possible come along and enjoy the atmosphere.”
The Doors open at 5pm. Support act gypsy jazz ensemble Django’s Tiger will perform from 6pm, with the TSO ensemble playing at 7pm. Tickets are $42 each, available from tso.com.au or by calling 1800 001 190.