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.
