The Orion Orchestra
One of London's newest and most exciting orchestras, the Orion Symphony Orchestra was formed
three years ago by its musical director Toby Purser for the "A Night Under The Stars" gala
concert at the Royal Festival Hall. Since that first concert, performing with violinist Nicola
Benedetti and mezzo-soprano Ann Murray, the orchestra has built up a reputation as one of
London's most exciting, dynamic and talented young orchestras, with the players selected from
the best recent music college graduates and students.
The Orion Orchestra has three main aims:
- To promote the most talented young players and soloists.
- To increase cultural understanding by bringing together musical traditions from all over
the world.
- To raise money and awareness for charity.
They recently gave an acclaimed performance in London raising money for humanitarian aid to war
victims in the Middle East. Thanks to the generosity of Barclays and KPMG, their yearly
participation in A Night Under The Stars has contributed to rebuilding a healthcare centre in
war-torn Lebanon, and in raising over £500,000 for The Passage, a charity in London
"providing the resources which encourage, inspire and challenge homeless people to
transform their lives".
This Autumn's series is their first ever full season of concerts, culminating in their
return to The Royal Festival Hall. Future projects being planned for 2009 include a tour to
Austria, as well as "Elements", a collaboration of world and western cultures in a series of
four evenings.
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Recent Reviews
Tuesday March 31st 2009
"Britten to Russia" An evening of British and Russian
masterpieces, featuring the premier of Toby Purser's suite from Veniamin Fleishman's opera
"Rothschild's Violin", completed by Shostakovich after his student's early death in the Second
World War. The Orion Symphony Orchestra joins forces tonight with Sonitus Choir, created from
members of all five London Music Colleges.
The Independent Review ".....If you want to learn the secret of
classical music’s perennial good health, look no further. "
Music OMH Review
".....This intense and energetic performance by Purser and his forces was a welcome
outing for this under-rated and seldom-performed work, ending a hugely enjoyable evening of
contrasting moods."
Monday 10th November 2008
"Spirit of Russia" A spectacular evening of some of
Russia's most dazzling and passionate works. Fresh from his acclaimed Carnegie Hall debut,
Greek pianist Panos Karan performs Rachmaninov's famously demanding 3rd Piano concerto, in a
programme exploring the emotional and virtuoso extremes of the Russian repertoire.
Classical Source Review "....a quality of sound comparable to any professional
group, matched with an energetic vitality that could blow their competition out of the
water."
Monday September 15th 2008
"England Rediscovered" A treasure trove of England's most
beautiful music, featuring Cyril Scott's Orient-perfumed harpsichord concerto, the first
performance since its 1937 premiere, in a new edition prepared especially for this evening's
performance by harpsichord virtuoso Jory Vinikou.
Music OMH Review
".....a coherency of purpose with exquisite playing throughout the evening. "
Arts Hub UK Review ".....a vital and fresh-faced contender in London's
professional orchestral scene."
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