WANGARATTA Symphony Orchestra (WSO) swaps out the classical pieces this November for the 34th Wangaratta Festival of Jazz and Blues on Sunday, November 3 to present 'Full Bloom' with local jazz band ‘The Daisies’ at the Holy Trinity Cathedral.
The WSO’s last performance was in June 2024 at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre, and the 36 piece orchestra is eager to get back on the stage and showcase their collaboration with ‘The Daisies’.
This concert will include well known pieces such as Smooth, Bittersweet Symphony, Blue Skies, Fever, Nature Boy, Dindi, Moon River, and a medley of pieces from Duke Ellington.
The Daisies are a blend of African Percussion, Double Bass, Piano, Guitar, Flugelhorn and Vocals.
The lush sounds of the Wangaratta Symphony Orchestra are sympathetic to the Daisies which will make for some beautiful sounding music, teamed with interior lighting of the cathedral to make for an incredible evening.
Emma Rayner will feature in the concert as the WSO’s lead cello player.
Emma recently performed on both the piano and cello on the stage of WPACC for ‘Steinway on Stage’ in 2023 and is no stranger to performing to audiences.
Emma said she has enjoyed rehearsing alongside the Daisies and they have had a lot of fun already.
"They're a wonderful group and it's fun to play jazz in the orchestra," she said.
"I'm most looking forward to the performance and sharing the joy and our hard work with the audience.
"It's a really fun program with some well loved jazz classics like Smooth and Autumn Leaves, my favourite piece from our Full Bloom concert is a mix of pieces by Duke Ellington.
"I think the audience is going to get a lot more than they expected’
Another feature performer for ‘Full Bloom’ is Thoona local, Carolyne Amery, as the viola soloist.
Carolyne has played in many different community orchestras, pit orchestras, and string quartets on both the violin and viola and teaches strings in various schools, most recently at Goulburn Valley Grammar.
Carolyne said the locals are lucky to have a community orchestra.
"We are blessed with many people from different backgrounds and abilities, all coming together in Wangaratta and making music," she said.
"This program is a little different to our usual repertoire as we have had the opportunity to explore some orchestral jazz, and spend some time with the Daisies.
"We hope that audiences will enjoy what we present at the concert."
Carolyne will feature as a soloist with Leroy Anderson’s ‘Fiddle-Faddle’ – an orchestra favourite, which Carolyne described as "a fun piece with lots of notes, and lots of energy".
Tickets are available for purchase online via wangjazzblues.com.au website, at a cost of $25 adults general admission.
Enquiries can be addressed to wangsymphonyorchestra@gmail.com.