The 2013 Lion Foundation Orchestral Summer School

Sunday 13 – Thursday 17 January

St Cuthbert’s College

The 14th Lion Foundation Orchestral Summer School took place 13-17 January at St Cuthbert’s College Campus.

88 participants joined with 72 APO musicians to participate in two orchestral programmes – the APO Junior Orchestra for ages 8-14 years and the Fellowship Orchestra for those over Grade 6. Young Auckland composer Wesley Webb was commissioned to write a piece in response to Peter and the Wolf which was performed by the APO Junior Orchestra, and Wes also narrated playing Peter’s grandfather.

Young soloist Olivia Francis wowed everyone with her solo violin performance with the Junior Orchestra, as did Sarah Watkins from the NZTrio playing the stunning Shostakovich Piano Concerto No. 2. APO Deputy Concertmaster Miranda Adams led the Junior Orchestra for the third year, continuing to develop their training programme, an having a lot of fun! UK conductor Gordon Hunt came over to lead the Fellowship Orchestra, as well as providing conducting training for four selected participants.

The concert was an outstanding success, a real tribute to the hard work and dedication of both participants and APO mentors during the week