Orchestra hosts get-acquainted reading sessions

LW ORCHESTRA

The Leisure World Orchestra will start preparing for its 60th season with informal music reading sessions of its upcoming works on Aug. 11, Aug. 18 and Aug. 25, from noon-2:15 p.m. on the Amphitheater stage.

Musicians will sight-read works by Bach, Brahms, Strauss, Mozart, Wagner, Rossini and Stravinsky.

Orchestra conductor Linda DeRungs envisions the reading sessions as a get-acquainted meet-up, where musicians who have hesitated to join the orchestra’s forces can informally meet and play with the approximately 50 current ensemble members.

“I know there are skilled musicians inside the community and in the area who would enjoy shared music making,” DeRungs said. “These reading sessions let possible recruits test their performance skills and meet the returning players for the 60th season.” DeRungs said she welcomes all musicians playing orchestral instruments, but has pressing needs for strings, double-reeds and French horns.

The group’s regular rehearsals are scheduled to begin in September and will be held on the Amphitheater stage.

The orchestra’s first performance was April 10, 1966. Aside from the forced cancellations caused by the COVID epidemic, the group has mounted productions every season since.

For more information, contact Leisure World Orchestra board president Eric Holdaway at eric_holdaway@yahoo.com. —William Thompson

Orchestra conductor Linda DeRungs works with trumpeter Richard Freedman.

William Thompson