Musicians of sinfonia ViVA

Nichola Hunter
Flute

On what makes sinfonia ViVA special...

sinfonia ViVA is a special orchestra as all members are freelancers and can be drawn from a wide area of the UK, not just one specific region. Concerts are well received, and supported by keen, enthusiastic audiences, and Peter Helps, (Chief Executive) works hard at maintaining audience interest, along with many other major areas of running an orchestra!

On a typical day with sinfonia ViVA...

A typical sinfonia ViVA working day is always a long one. Travelling to somewhere in the East Midlands for the rehearsal/concert is a major portion of the day. The M6 can be very snarled up at times, with heavy traffic and road works. The radio can be a very enjoyable companion at times, keeping one alert, and the A50/A500 has made a huge difference to more efficient travelling east/west across the UK. The concerts we play always have good varied and enjoyable repertoire, sometimes demanding lots of preparation and always tons of concentration! Rehearsals fly by, with always a tea-break, enjoying Matthew's (Concert Manager) non-alcoholic (of course!) liquid refreshments and rationed biscuits! Tea-time consists of usually the important catch-up time with your fellow colleagues. You are often working with musicians from other ends of the country, and it is always very important to keep up with the latest gossip, and how life is treating us all! The concerts finish with great flourish, and the orchestra disbands very quickly, scattering in many differing directions on journeys home. Often the Highways Department decide evenings are, of course, the best time to do road repairs - much to the great inconvenience of late working folk, who just want to get home as quickly as possible! Re-routing and re-planning a journey is all part of a musician's working day - God bless satellite navigation!

On personal fulfillment through involvement with ViVA outreach and education projects...

Education work is an important aspect of working for ViVA. I have played for many varying and enjoyable education projects. These include 'Bean Bag Proms' for 2-6 year olds, large workshops for 13-16 year olds, GCSE composition workshops for 14-16 year olds, Rolls-Royce management workshops for ages 22 to retirement age and playing for old folk in their own environments. Hugely enjoyable! Thus reinforcing the fact - Music is to be enjoyed by everyone!

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