Caithness conductor says it's a joy to bring back community music-making
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Musicians from across Scotland met in Caithness this month to play Tchaikovsky’s Fourth Symphony – an event that had been postponed for two years as a result of Covid-19.
“It’s truly joyful to be back at last, making music together without restrictions,” conductor Susie Dingle said after the performance in Halkirk.
“It has been a slow process for community music groups to emerge from the pandemic.
"We are so pleased to be looking forward to starting a new season this week with all of our groups, including weekly rehearsals for the Caithness Orchestra, the Caithness Junior Orchestra and Wick Choral Society.
"The icing on the cake will come in October when we plan to host a series of short concerts with each of these groups to welcome our audiences back at last.
"It has been over two years since we’ve been able to give public concerts, and we just can’t wait to see a sea of smiling faces and hear that applause again.”
All three groups are looking forward to welcoming new members, and there are places for musicians of all ages and abilities.
The Caithness Junior Orchestra rehearses on Mondays after school and welcomes members aged eight to 18. For the 2022/23 session, the Daniel McLean Memorial Fund has provided financial support to encourage children from all backgrounds to be able to join in.
The Caithness Orchestra and Wick Choral Society are both inclusive groups for adults aged 16 and over. The orchestra meets on Wednesday evenings in Thurso and the choral society meets on Monday evenings in Wick.
Any musicians interested in joining one of these groups, or anyone who would like advice about learning a musical instrument so that they can begin to play with others, should contact susandingleconductor@gmail.com or call 01847 893517.
The Caithness Orchestra’s performance of Tchaikovsky’s Fourth Symphony on the caithnessmusic.com YouTube channel.
