News and Reviews

News: Proms-Style Debut for Viva
Jan 27 2010

Hardy crowds are expected to come out in force to enjoy Derby-based Sinfonia Viva Orchestra's Big Screen debut later this month.

As part of a partnership between the Orchestra, Derby LIVE and the BBC, the first half of Viva's concert on January 27 at the Assembly Rooms will be relayed live onto the Big Screen in the Market Place – a see-for-free prom opportunity capturing the spirit of the live action inside the hall.

The event will be presented by BBC Radio Derby's Aleena Naylor who will introduce the music and the personalities behind it.

Interviews with Viva's Principal Conductor André de Ridder, soloist Ilya Gringolts (violin) and some of the Orchestra's musicians will be shown alongside a full guide to the three pieces: Mozart's Overture to Don Giovanni, Schumann's Violin Concerto and the world premiere of Larry Goves Orchestral Short composition which has been specially commissioned by Sinfonia Viva.

After the Viva element of the screen 'prommers' will be able to watch excerpts from the BBC Electric Proms.

Viva Chief Executive Peter Helps said: "This is the first time a project like this has been tried by us and we are very excited about the opportunities it presents. We hope that this will bring the classical music concert experience to a whole new audience which may not necessarily have previously thought about taking the next step of coming inside to experience the orchestra in action."

Big Screen Manager Louise Angell added: "Linking up with Sinfonia Viva means we can enhance our offering with live, local entertainment and play a part in making live orchestra music accessible to all. It's a great opportunity for people to try something new and we hope this will become a regular fixture in the Big Screen's annual calendar of events."

Derby LIVE Programme Manager Bob Rushton concluded: "We have been working with Viva for many years with Derby LIVE's classical concert series and the Orchestra's education projects. The use of the Big Screen to show the concert is another great opportunity for us to work together in an innovative way and a chance for us both to develop our audiences. Showcasing the Orchestra's talent in a live relay makes great use of the resources available within the Assembly Rooms and the Market Place and we hope this is will be the first of many concerts and collaborations to be seen in this format."

Media enquiries: Sarah Jenkin-Jones - Tel: 01332 515102/07951 945 665 sarah@jjpublicrelations.co.uk