Play Live with In the Chair

Sibelius Software, Orchestras Australia and In the Chair have teamed up to present the latest in music education – a live, interactive workshop with 3 conductors and a composer. Part of the 2006 National Orchestra Forum, The Big Play gives you the ability to workshop a piece online via In the Chair with Sydney conductor George Ellis, Melbourne composer Katy Abbott and guest conductors.

“Through In the Chair, the Orchestral Forum can truly be national without requiring people to travel to Melbourne. This makes the event accessible to anyone who has the internet. This is an incredible development for our members and all musicians,” said Rachelle Elliott, CEO of Orchestras Australia.

The Big Play, which starts at 1pm Melbourne time (AEST - UTC +1000) on Saturday 19th August 2006, will see players and students form a mass orchestra to workshop music by Melbourne Composer Katy Abbott, titled Carmen Vitae. Online participants will be able to join the workshop from 1.30pm AEST.

The 3 hour workshop will include discussions between the composer, players and conductors as well as the ability to rehearse the work with multiple conductors. It will conclude at 4pm AEST with a final performance of the entire piece with on-site and online participants.

Carmen Vitae has been recorded with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra and is currently available on In the Chair to practice before The Big Play. Carmen Vitae is scored for full orchestra including alto, tenor and baritone saxophone.

The Big Play and Carmen Vitae are accessible through In the Chair for all current In the Chair subscribers and for participants of the National Orchestral Forum. Subscription to In the Chair is available from www.inthechair.com. In the Chair is music practice software which allows you to practice with professional bands and orchestras. It puts you inside the orchestra, enabling you to hear the other musicians as you watch the video and play from your spot in the orchestra. For those interested in the National Orchestral Forum, please register online at www.orchestrasaustralia.org.au.

The Big Play
USA Fri 18th Aug 06 8pm - 11pm (PDT)
AU Sat 19th Aug 06 1pm – 4pm (AEST)