New Conductor for MYSE

Merton Music Foundation has appointed a young, dynamic conductor to spearhead the re-launch of the Merton Youth String Ensemble. Local musician Dan Shilladay joins the group at the start of a busy year, whose plans include an exciting programme of collaborative workshops with members of the world famous Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment (OAE).

Intended to develop the cream of local string playing talent, the ensemble tackles work from right across the musical spectrum. This term's rehearsals centre on folk music, with pieces by the Hungarian Béla Bartók rubbing shoulders with music by one of Merton's most local great composers, Gustav Holst, who lived on the Thames in Barnes. Next summer sees the orchestra's members writing their own music to perform at the Southbank Centre as part of a London-wide project in association with the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment.

Dan Shilladay, a conductor with much experience of working with young musicians, and a professional viola player with several London orchestras - including the OAE - explained:

"I'm really looking forward to working with the orchestra in what promises to be a very busy year. I'm particularly excited to be collaborating with the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment - easily the most innovative and thought-provoking orchestra working in London today. The workshops will provide something new for not only the area's best string players, but also any A level and GCSE music composition students who play a string instrument."

If you are an aspiring player of any orchestral string instrument to Grade 5 standard or above, Merton Youth String Ensemble wants to hear from you. Rehearsals take place from 7.30pm - 9.30pm each Monday evening in term time at the Chaucer Centre, Canterbury Road, Morden, Surrey SM4 6PX. To join, come along to a rehearsal on a Monday evening - new members are always welcome.

For further details on Merton Youth String Ensemble (MYSE) contact Merton Music Foundation on (020) 8640 5446.

For information on the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment (OAE) visit their website at www.oae.co.uk. There will be more information about our project with OAE appearing on this website in the near future.