Aldworth Philharmonic Orchestra

This podcast focuses on music education, particularly instrumental teaching (we’re already planning a follow up on classroom teaching). With guests Mel Le Breuilly (our assistant MD and runs Reading Youth Orchestra), Jonathan Burnett of Berkshire Maestros, freelance musician Anita Datta, and Ashley Roye of Music Masters.

MD Andrew is joined by Helen and Chico, who can’t seem stop talking about his antics in rehearsal, only for these to be eclipsed by a Chico horror story about a live national radio fail that will leave you having anxiety nightmares for weeks. In between, Andrew has a much more sensible chat with composer Derri Lewis about his latest commissioned works for APO, which give us a path from solo lockdown playing, through to playing in small groups, all the way to coming back together as an orchestra.

Derri Lewis speaks to music director Andrew Taylor about the revised version of River Image.

Back in December, I interviewed Laura Shipsey, composer of APO’s latest commission, ‘Samara’, which will have its first performance during ‘Music of Desire’, on Saturday 2nd February. Laura and I talked about how it fits in with the theme of the concert, what it’s like composing for an orchestra you’ve been part of and how her musical language is evolving.

Don’t forget that early bird tickets for the concert are available here. 

We’re pleased and proud that #APOpictures and #RouteToTheRiver composer, Alice Knight, was named as the winner of the Young Talent – under 25 category at the Reading Cultural Awards. In a lavish ceremony at the Olympia Ballroom, Alice beat of a strong shortlist of four nominees, and a long list of ten more, with the winner announced by Sam Butler, Artistic Director of top arts organisation, ‘Fevered Sleep’.

The nomination, by APO’s Music Director Andrew Taylor, cited her ‘hard work, creative brilliance and impact of her music’, going on to say, ‘It’s not just that she’s “one to watch”; what she’s doing doing right now is exciting in itself!’

Alice’s new commission from APO, Interwoven, will be premiered as part of our ‘Route to the River: Schumann at the Station’ event, on Saturday 22nd July, 2pm, Reading Station (on the transfer deck – speak to the gateline staff to gain access through the ticket barriers). The event is part of Reading BID’s ‘Arena’ series of events, leading up to the new Reading on Thames Festival, as well as being part of the Reading Fringe Festival.

Here’s the winning moment – we just love the look on her face!