GUSTAV Holst’s The Planets joins the company of works such as Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony and Verdi’s Requiem that are known by people who do not necessarily spend a lot of their life thinking about classical music.
However, it is only one of the reasons WA Youth Orchestra included the seven-movement orchestral suite in its third and final concert season at Perth Concert Hall for 2019.
“It’s a milestone piece and the opening to The Planets, which is Mars, the Bringer of War, is an iconic piece of writing,” WAYO musical director and conductor Peter Moore said.
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READ NOW“You can hear the influence of that piece by Holst in things like John Williams’ music in Star Wars.
“To play The Planets is a real experience and it places demands on every person in the orchestra. It’s a difficult piece to play; it’s all about imagination and that’s what so much orchestral music is all about.
“It teaches the young players who are good enough to be in it to take it one step further.
“They don’t just play their instrument, they have to play the planets in seven separate movements, all of which are incredibly individual and reflect the character of the planets as seen through Holst.”
Moore said WAYO tended to present large orchestral pieces that were too difficult to be played in school orchestras or even smaller tertiary institution orchestras.
Featuring musicians aged 12 to 24 years old, WAYO will present a two-part program with Moore, of Winthrop, conducting The Planets in the second half, which will finish with members of Voyces choir singing off-stage during the final few minutes.
The first half will feature Jen Winley conducting the orchestra through Dulcie Holland’s Festival Flourish and Aaron Copland’s Appalachian Spring.
“Appalachian Spring is a charming piece of musician by American composer Aaron Copland and it’s not difficult on the ear at all,” Moore said.
“We have a record of trying to help younger artists because it’s extremely difficult to become a conductor and be given the opportunity to conduct musicians who can play to a reasonable standard.
“Jenny fits the bill of being an experienced teacher and professional percussion player and she has the ability to conduct very well.
“One always thinks about themselves not getting any younger, so to encourage other people to be involved is very important.”
THE ESSENTIALS
What: The Planets
Where: Perth Concert Hall
When: Sunday, September 29
Tickets: wayo.net.au