40th Anniversary Success

Date Posted:03/07/2015

MKCO 40th Anniversary Concert a Great Success

 

It was a full house for Milton Keynes City Orchestra on Tuesday evening as they celebrated their 40th Anniversary in Milton Keynes Theatre, with a mesmerising performance of Rachmaninov Piano Concerto No 2 from internationally renowned pianist Stanislav Khristenko, under the baton of the orchestra’s incredible Music Director, Damian Iorio.  


Introducing the evening, Damian provided the audience with an overview on what was to come, including fascinating facts on each piece of music. Within his speech, Damian expressed his delight of being part of the 40th Anniversary and how proud he was to have the Youth Orchestra involved, concluding by thanking everyone for their support, in particular the sponsors; Keens Shay Keens, Yamaha and MK Council.


To open the concert the MK Music Centre Youth Orchestra played alongside the professional MKCO musicians for a brilliant opening piece, Borodin’s Prince Igor Overture.


Playing a top of the range a Yamaha Grand Piano, Stanislav gave a captivating recital of Rachmaninov Piano Concerto No 2, as the theatre sat silently in awe. Following the performance, Stanislav treated the audience to a beautiful solo encore after which the audience rose to their feet for a standing ovation.


The second half of the concert saw Damian lead the orchestra in a powerful performance of Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No.4, with the evening receiving wonderful reviews by all in attendance. Quotes from audience members include:


“Milton Keynes is very lucky to have MKCO, what a powerful 40th anniversary performance at MK Theatre.”
“Great 40th anniversary concert by MKCO tonight and inspired idea to have the youth orchestra play alongside them.”
“Congratulations MKCO on a tremendous 40th Anniversary Concert at Milton Keynes Theatre - outstanding performances all round!”


MKCO Music Director Damian Iorio said: “It was a delight to work with the young musicians form the Youth Orchestra in our opening piece of the evening, they were well prepared to an extremely high standard and they showed great appreciation for the opportunity to work with our professional musicians. Our pianist Stanislav gave a truly inspirational performance of the Rachmaninov, bringing his international experience to our concert. Our Orchestra performed brilliantly and it was so rewarding to look out onto a full and engaged audience showing such huge appreciation for our work!”


MKCO Chairman Marian Livingstone said: “Damian took our orchestra to yet another level of musical performance on Tuesday, motivating the young players, bringing Stanislav Khristenko, a hugely talented pianist, to perform for us and thrilling the audience with the musicality and power he brings to our concerts. We were thrilled to see a packed theatre, thank you Milton Keynes. Our 40th anniversary concert was a celebration of our cultural importance in MK and a showcase of the music and international talent that is packed into our new season starting on 11th October.”