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I Giovani is a training string
orchestra designed to introduce younger players to the Baroque repertoire and
its performance practice - that is, the style and technique which the composers
would have expected, and for which they would therefore have written.
Members of I Giovani are generally aged between twelve and sixteen and
start at about Grade 3 level. They meet once a week throughout term for an hour
and a half, and have their own schedule of concerts. Though they play on modern
instruments and at modern pitch, their introduction to the concepts of
"authentic" performance makes sense of eighteenth century music in a way that
nothing else can. They also have the opportunity to perform in a chamber music
setting (the the total group is rarely more than about twelve) which is a
uniquely effective way of learning to listen, to count and to concentrate -
because (unlike most school orchestras) there is nowhere to hide!
I Giovani have their own schedule of concerts, most recently on Sunday
November 5th, in the exquisite surroundings of the John Wood Chapel at Prior
Park College, Bath. The orchestra performed a Charpentier Suite for strings,
Boyce's Symphony in F and the third movement of Bach's A minor violin concerto
(played by the leader, Alice Barron).
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The group were then joined by local wind
and brass players (all but three of whom were students) in a highly seasonal
rendition of Handel's Music for the Royal Fireworks - followed by a
cheerful, if damp, firework party for all concerned!
The tutor of I Giovani is Alison Townley, who has an impeccable
background in both early music performance - (she is currently recording the
Bach cantatas with Sir John Eliot Gardiner) and teaching (among other places at
Wells Cathedral specialist music School). She is also approachable,
encouraging, user-friendly and possessed of an irrepressible sense of humour.
Students interested in joining I Giovani are welcome to come along for
a few weeks to see how they get along. There is absolutely no obligation and no
charge. ALL tuition is FREE and there is also FREE entry for I Giovani
members to all Bath Baroque concerts, so that they can see where they are
aiming! The thorough technical grounding that they receive in I Giovani
puts them in a strong position should they wish to audition for the "main"
orchestra.
To find out more about I Giovani, contact:
Bath Baroque
Pickwick Manor, Corsham
Wilts, SN13 0HU
Phone: 01249-714775
Fax: 01249-714335
E-mail: 
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