N.Z. members among visiting orchestra

Press, 2 June 1982, Page 6

N.Z. members among visiting orchestra

When the Queensland Youth Orchestra visits New Zealand next month, it will be a homecoming for some of its members. Several of them had been members of the Auckland Youth Orchestra, until they ‘ toured Australia. / The administrator for . the Queensland Youth. Orchestra Council, Mr Rick Thompson, who is. in Christchurch to organise the visit, said that the chance of travelling with the orchestra attracts many young people. “We will steal players from anywhere we can,” he said.

But the council certainly needs a lot of players as it runs three symphony orchestras while dealing with 380 players. With the help of local, State and Federal government funding the council attracts 600 would-be maestros to its auditions each year. “It makes it hard when you have 25 flute players going for three positions,” said Mr Thompson. The members of the touring orchestra, who are aged from 15 to 23, make up “the best youth orchestra in Australia and one of the best in

the world.” Mr Thompson said. Most of the council’s players are now scattered throughout the world, and 23 of them are members of the Queensland Symphony Orchestra. Mr Thompson, who has been managing the orchestra’s affairs for four years is himself a musician “although any 10-year-old can play better than I can,” hopes to attract a mixed- audience during the tour. “We expect young people will come because young people play, but’ we also expect the music buffs,” he said. ’ The orchestra will open its tour in Auckland on July 6, and will play in Christchurch on July 14.