BOP Symphonia ‘side-by-side’ with NZSO

Recently BOPS players were honoured to be invited to share the Baycourt stage with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra.  As part of the NZSO’s ENGAGE programme, our players sat ‘side-by-side’ amongst the NZSO players in a fun rehearsal of Brahm’s 1st Symphony, under their Principal Conductor in Residence, Hamish McKeich. 

This was a fantastic opportunity to experience being part of a professional orchestra as well as gaining valuable tips and encouragement from the pros.  As one of our players said afterwards: ‘It was a magical opportunity to hear, feel, be immersed in, and be part of the beautiful sound of a large professional orchestra. It gave me a glimpse of what it is really like from the inside. Hamish and the players were all so encouraging and accommodating and I learnt so much and am inspired to do a lot more practice!’ Similar sentiments were expressed by many other BOPS players and we are hoping this will become a regular event. 

BOP Symphonia SIDE-BY-SIDE with the NZSO