18 November 2009
If you have Grade V ability in your chamber music instrument, and are 18 years or over, you may like to join 'Amateur Chamber Music Uxbridge' for Music Playnights, a new initiative set up by Emma Abel to encourage practical music-making. Sessions run on Tuesday nights at Uxbridge in Howick until 8 December, and the cost is $30.00.
Emma explains:
"My idea to create an amateur chamber music group for musicians materialised while searching for like minded musicians in South Auckland. A few years’ ago in Sydney I discovered the ACMS (Amateur Chamber Music Sydney) which is a successful organisation of 300 committed amateur musicians enjoying regular "Playdays" around Sydney. This experience greatly improved my playing and confidence, not to mention sightreading! It was exhilarating to play with more advanced musicians and rise to the challenge.
ACMU could be Auckland's answer to the Sydney ACMS. ACMU organises ensembles, music, venue and contacts for amateur musicians who want to share their love of classical music and raise their playing standards. ACMU hopes to attract musicians who could be reviving their skills after a break, music teachers, young aspiring professionals or those simply out to enjoy making music. Ensembles vary from two to eight players, encompassing keyboard, string and wind instruments. Uxbridge, Howick’s Creative Centre in South Auckland, is a wonderful venue for the ACMU weekly “Music Playnights” and members are also encouraged to hold “soirees” in homes for the entertainment of family and friends – this is after all, what chamber music is all about."
Music Playnights are untutored, so bring your instrument, music stand, favourite set of chamber music and Uxbridge will supply the rest.
Contact Uxbridge staff for more information: Phone (09) 535 6467, or visit 35 Uxbridge Road, Howick.
Email: programmes@uxbridge.org.nz
http://www.uxbridge.org.nz/about-us/join-a-group
