Beethoven Symphony Marathon Tests Kingston Musicians' Stamina
Kingston Philharmonia will play 10 hours of Beethoven symphonies on Saturday 19 July 2008 in Central Kingston. In a unique test of stamina and concentration, the orchestra’s 40 musicians will play over 10,000 bars of music. And conductor Levon Parikian will, it is estimated, beat his baton up and down over 35,000 times. No wonder this feat – dubbed the “Beeth-o-thon” - has never before been attempted in Surrey!
All players are being sponsored, with proceeds going to local charities – Young Kingston, the Parish Church Restoration Fund and Kingston Philharmonia. Shoppers and residents of Kingston will be welcome to come and watch this unusual musical feat. Admission is free and all are welcome to come and stay for five minutes, or the full 10 hours!
“Beethoven’s nine symphonies contain some of the most famous music ever written” says conductor Levon Parikian. “Playing just one symphony is a major feat of concentration, but to play them all in a single day is going to be a unique challenge for the orchestra.”
Kingston Philharmonia musicians are drawn from all walks of life – diplomats, geophysicists, and students play alongside hypnotherapists, management consultants and picture framers. They all share a passion for orchestral music, and making it as accessible to local people as possible.
Kingston Philharmonia was founded in 1974, and has been playing challenging music to a wide range of audiences in Kingston ever since. The orchestra welcomes new players, especially strings. Rehearsals take place on Friday evenings each week under the direction of a professional conductor, Levon Parikian, and with a professional leader, Clare Howick.
Kingston Philharmonia is delighted to be associated with the local charity Young Kingston, which will receive a share of the proceeds from sponsorship and donations. Young Kingston works with young people aged 5-19 to help them to make the most of life’s opportunities and benefit the community. The orchestra will also be making a donation to the Kingston Parish Church Restoration Fund from proceeds from the day. ENDS Further information from Quentin Maxwell-Jackson, Chairman, Kingston Philharmonia 07802 953 407 qmj@blueyonder.co.uk
