The BSO - 'On Your Doorstep' in Wareham!
When the string players of Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra tune up in the warm acoustic of the Priory Church of Lady St Mary in Wareham this November it will mark a special moment. The BSO returns to Wareham with brand new chamber music programme, Musical Families, and introduces rising star conductor, Enyi Okpara.
World Class Symphonic Concerts - 'On Your Doorstep'!
Alongside its world-class symphonic concerts, the Orchestra is known throughout the Southwest for its work beyond the hall; for touring chamber-scale performances alongside events to support music education and health and wellbeing. Since the pandemic, a strong following has also built for its new series of ‘BSO On Your Doorstep’ concerts, which connect communities with high-quality live music in atmospheric and intimate venues.
Musical Families
The BSO’s Musical Families concert promises to offer just that, with a selection of works linked by their musical lineage, with both well-known favourites — including Karl Jenkins’ Palladio and Holst’s St Paul’s Suite — and music you will wish you had known forever.
The series, which is introduced by the BSO’s friendly musicians, is designed to be both inclusive and welcoming, particularly for those who might be coming to classical music for the first time.
Introducing a new conductor - Enyi Okpara
The BSO’s incoming Calleva Assistant Conductor, Enyi Okpara, conducts the 15 November performance. Enyi won the musicians’ vote in competing for the coveted one-year position earlier this summer. He takes the baton (quite literally) from Tom Fetherstonhaugh, who recently conducted a televised BBC Proms debut alongside superstar cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason.
'Excited to explore Dorset'
When off duty, the impact of the Dorset landscape, and particularly that of the Purbecks, has been known for its lasting effect on the BSO’s guest artists over the decades; with many returning to the region as visitors throughout their lives.
Enyi Okpara shared that Tom Fetherstonhaugh had gifted him something special on preparing to step into the role: “he gave me a map of Dorset and the South Coast, and I’m really excited to put it to use”. Having been born and brought up in North London, before further study in Bristol, Enyi explained he was looking forward to the sea playing a much bigger part in his life: “I’m also keen to get to know the Southwest Coast Path better, and to many lovely trips to Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove.”
We’re sure the Wareham audience will give Enyi and the BSO’s musicians a warm welcome when they arrive to share Musical Families this autumn.
Musical Families takes place at the Priory Church of Lady St Mary in Wareham on Friday 15 November at 7.30pm.
Article first published in Love It Local magazine, autumn issue. You can read the full magazine on the www.loveitlocalmagazine website.
