Dance-inspired programme set for Boat of Garten Hall this weekend
The Cairngorms Orchestra is taking to the floor.
A dance-inspired programme will see the strath's local community orchestra present a host of uplifting, fleet-footed tunes at Boat of Garten hall on Sunday.
Conducted by Robin Versteeg, the group's membership now comprises more than 30 players from across Badenoch and Strathspey and the surrounding areas.
Their winter concert features music from Tchaikovsky's much-loved ballet Swan Lake and Malcolm Arnold's rambunctious Scottish Dances.
As the orchestra's leader, Paula Starritt, explains: "When we began preparing this programme in August, most of us already knew some of the repertoire, because we had planned a dance-themed concert back in the spring of 2020 but didn't get a chance to perform it because of the start of Covid restrictions.
“It's been fun to return to the Malcolm Arnold particularly, which does a pretty good impression of authentic reels and strathspeys, though it wasn't written by a Scot!"
The event – at 7pm on Sunday, December 8 at Boat of Garten Community Hall – also includes music by Respighi and Weber, whose "Invitation to the Dance" gives the performance its title.
Chair of the orchestra's committee, Rod Kemsley, explains: "As always, we have endeavoured to include music in a range of styles that will appeal to people of all ages. The band has grown in size and confidence in recent terms and we're keen to encourage a big audience to join us on the proverbial dance floor."
Tickets for the concert are available at the door for £10 and £5 concessions – children enter free.
