Discover the mighty machine that is the symphony orchestra, with Claire as your guide! Have you ever wondered how all the players in an orchestra work together so seamlessly? Or maybe you’ve always wondered what the conductor is really doing – and are the players really watching them?
During this event, Claire will take you behind the scenes, to see how orchestras work in rehearsal and concert. By the end of the session, you will know what the orchestra leader does, why the orchestra tunes to the oboe, why string players sit in pairs, the etiquette of playing in an orchestra, some of the different techniques instruments use, and more. On the way we will find out which instrument is the most joked about, and some of the trials and tribulations which can occur within an orchestral family.
Get the inside story of the orchestra from someone who plays in one! This event is designed for anyone who wants to explore and appreciate the wonders of music, regardless of their music background or instrumental skills.
Views: 11 | Enquiries: 0I was born and raised in Cornwall, where music, stories, and the sea shaped my earliest sense of the world. My path eventually led me to Cardiff to study for my music degree, and I’ve stayed ever since, drawn in by the city’s energy, its creative communities, and the chance to keep exploring the art of performance from every angle.
My specialisms include recital and ensemble work, historical performance practice, and the wonderfully dramatic world of 19th‑century opera. Today, I’m the Sub‑Principal Viola of the Cardiff Philharmonic Orchestra, and I also play as a multi‑instrumentalist with the brilliantly eccentric band The Withering Raspberries. Alongside performing, I was a regular host for Rest Less Events.
Storytelling is at the heart of everything I do. Whether I’m talking about a symphony, an opera, or a forgotten gem of a composer, my aim is always the same: to bring the music to life and make it welcoming for everyone—especially those with no prior musical knowledge. If you’re curious, you’re already in the right place.
When I’m not immersed in music, you’ll often find me practising archery, wandering outdoors (usually stopping to feed any ducks I encounter), or disappearing into the worlds of my favourite fantasy novels and films.
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