The Orchestra

 

 

In the early days of the Choir we would sing settings of a Mass liturgically, often accompanied by a small orchestral ensemble, establishing another important relationship – that with The Eye Bach Choir Orchestra – which continued up until 2017, made up of music teachers, semi professional players or gifted amateurs throughout East Anglia.

Since 2017 Eye Bach Choir has created a successful relationship with Kingfisher Ensemble and Sinfonietta, accompanying the choir under the leadership of Beth Spendlove and with our resident Conductor, Leslie Olive.

The Kingfisher Sinfonietta (KFS) was founded in 2011 by its Leader/Director Beth Spendlove.  In a short but very busy time, it has become a highly respected orchestra, performing to high professional standards in a variety of venues across Suffolk and Essex with sometimes up to 40 or 50 players.  It performs a large number of its own concert programmes each year, from full-scale symphony works to smaller-scale string or chamber orchestra pieces, and at a variety of venues including Halesworth, Framlingham, Aldeburgh, Woodbridge and Colchester. In keeping with a challenging historic tradition, some concerts are performed without conductor, but directed from the Leader’s chair. Other concerts are conducted by the internationally renowned conductor and composer, Elgar Howarth.

As well as some of the best orchestral musicians in East Anglia, the KFS occasionally helps young musicians to experience and gain confidence in orchestral playing.  Soloists are drawn from the profession and from principal players within the orchestra.

As well as the Orchestra, Beth Spendlove organises and leads the Kingfisher Ensemble, which gives an exciting series of Sunday afternoon chamber recitals in Lion Walk Church, Colchester, and at other venues in the region.

“The key to its success,” says Beth Spendlove, “is that we all truly enjoy playing together.  All the players are so enthusiastic about making really good orchestral music.  Some of us have performed together for a very long time.”

If you would like more information about Kingfisher Sinfonietta then please follow this link to their website:

http://www.kingfishersinfonietta.co.uk