Sinfonia Tamesa

Brahms Academic Festival Overture
Schumann Cello Concerto
Beethoven Symphony No 5

Richard Birchall cello
Tom Hammond conductor
Michelle Wright Leader

The all-German programme begins with Brahms' Academic Festival Overture written in 1881 as a 'thank you' for his receipt of an honoury Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Breslau. One of Brahms' most played works it is a piece of irrepressible fun and uses the largest orchestral forces Brahms ever employed.

Schumann's Cello Concerto is a work that was for some time neglected. Written in 1851 in just two weeks its basic character is depicted by expressive moods, and is far from a traditional virtuoso concerto. Richard Birchall joins Sinfonia Tamesa as soloist; he is currently studying with Louise Hopkins at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama. He has won several awards including the prestigious Muriel Taylor Scholarship and his postgraduate studies have been further supported by the Musicians' Benevolent Fund Music Education and Myra Hess Awards, the Craxton Memorial Trust, the Martin Musical Scholarship Fund and the Countess of Munster Trust. At present, Richard is on the LSO String Scheme for 2006-7.

Beethoven's Symphony No 5 was originally written for Count Franz von Oppersdorff, a music amateur who had met Beethoven in 1806, it however never made it to him as he had offers from publishers Breitkopf & Hartel along with several other works. Famed for its opening 4-note motif this recurring rhythmic element unites the symphony's four movements.

Sinfonia Tamesa is a lively, non-professional orchestra rehearsing and performing at venues near the Thames. The majority of members grew up playing in orchestras at school, university or beyond, who now whatever their situation couldn't imagine not coming together with like-minded people to make excellent music as part of their working life in London.

Many members of Sinfonia Tamesa are ex-music graduates who are now pursuing careers in the arts, although the orchestra welcomes players from a wide range of occupations and backgrounds. Current players work for a diverse range of organisations including: Arts Admin, BBC Online, Classic FM, Dvora Lewis Public Relations, London Symphony Orchestra, National Gallery, Purcell Room, Royal Albert Hall, Royal College of Music, Royal Festival Hall, Royal Opera House, Sonic Arts Network, Trinity College of Music, and Youth Music.

The orchestra performs up to four concerts per season and focuses primarily on the performance of major works in the symphonic repertoire, though always offering a dynamic edge by promoting new talent and providing a platform for up-and-coming young soloists and composers.