Only months old, Sai Kung Orchestra has suddenly lost its founding conductor. David Notley moved back home to Leeds, because of a parent’s illness. David’s last evening with the orchestra was a Christmas pop-up concert in the Sai Kung square, attended by family and friends. The orchestra played Christmas numbers and despite the wind blowing sheets of music away, was a fun evening. Sing from Jaspas saved the day with pegs for the music stands and mulled wines to warm the musicians up.
One of the orchestra’s founders, kindergarten principal Frances Wilkinson, said, “We are lucky enough to have a new conductor now. Noah Nicholson has kindly stepped up to take the baton. Noah is the head of music at Shatin College and an accomplished musician. He moved to Sai Kung recently with his wife Sarah and three young children. Sarah is also a talented musician, playing first violin in the Sai Kung Orchestra.” Noah told SAI KUNG BUZZ he will be assisted by Helena Murchie, head of music at KGV.
The orchestra rehearses in the HK Academy’s theatre and at last report was up to 16 members. “We have a few violins, cellos, trumpets and clarinets as well as a bass clarinet and bass trombone,” Frances said. “We are still looking for more strings and wind instruments.” They hope to expand to about 30 musicians over time. Anyone who is “an accomplished, returning or rusty musician” is welcome to join. The orchestra is intermediate-level, non-profit and plays an eclectic range of music from classical to James Bond and Harry Potter medleys. They are currently practising for a free flash mob concert in the square at Easter.
Be the first to comment