Senior Orchestra

Programme notes

'A Spring Celebration' features the individual performances of our symphony and jazz orchestras. The repertoire list gives you the running order and indicates which orchestra is performing (NYO Nottingham Youth Orchestra, NYIO Intermediate Orchestra, NYTO Training Orchestra, NYJO Jazz Orchestra, Percussion).

1. NYTO - Born to be Wild

Written by Mars Bonfire, Born to Be Wild is one of the most famous rock songs of all time and is often called the first “heavy metal” song. With its powerful beat, bold brass lines, and driving energy, this arrangement brings the excitement of 1960s rock music into the orchestral world. Listen for the strong rhythmic pulse and punchy melodies that make this piece feel fast, fearless, and fun.

2. NYTO - Matchmaker (from "Fiddler on the Roof")

Composed by Jerry Bock for the musical Fiddler on the Roof, Matchmaker tells the story of three young women dreaming about their future husbands. The music is lively, playful, and full of character, using dance-like rhythms and folk-inspired melodies. This arrangement captures the humour and warmth of village life while giving every section of the orchestra a chance to shine.

3. NYTO - The Blue Danube Waltz

Written by Johann Strauss II, this waltz is one of the most recognisable pieces in classical music. It is written in 3/4 time, creating the gentle “ONE-two-three” rhythm of traditional ballroom dancing. Flowing string melodies, graceful woodwind lines, and elegant phrasing combine to create a feeling of movement and elegance, transporting listeners to nineteenth-century Vienna.

4. NYTO - Hey Song

Often heard at sports events, Hey Song is famous for its simple, catchy chant and strong beat. This orchestral version turns a stadium favourite into an exciting concert piece, featuring bold brass, energetic percussion, and driving rhythms. The repeated patterns and clear structure make it especially fun to play and listen to, building excitement and encouraging audience involvement.

5. NYTO - Scenes from "The Marriage of Figaro"

Composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, The Marriage of Figaro is a comic opera full of humour, romance, and drama. This selection brings together several of its best-known melodies, including fast-paced ensemble music and lyrical love themes. Listen for Mozart’s clear musical lines, clever contrasts, and expressive phrasing, which show why he remains one of the greatest composers in history.

6. NYTO - Peer Gynt Suite Selections

Written by Edvard Grieg for a theatre play, Peer Gynt tells the story of a young man’s adventures around the world. These selections include famous movements such as Morning Mood and In the Hall of the Mountain King. The music paints vivid pictures using sound, from peaceful sunrise scenes to fast, dramatic chases, giving players a chance to explore storytelling through music.

7. PERCUSSION SET

This feature highlights the percussion section as the rhythmic engine of the orchestra. Using instruments such as timpani, snare drum, mallet keyboards, and auxiliary percussion, the players create exciting textures and powerful rhythms. The set demonstrates how percussion can provide both dramatic impact and subtle atmosphere within a performance.

8. NYO - Symphony No. 5 - Movements I & II

Composed by Dmitri Shostakovich, this symphony was written during a difficult period in the composer’s life. The first movement is dramatic and intense, with powerful brass and driving rhythms, while the second movement is lighter and more sarcastic, using dance-like themes and sharp contrasts. Together, they show Shostakovich’s ability to combine emotion, humour, and strength in a single work.

9. INTERVAL - NYJO in the Bar

This relaxed interval feature presents music in a lighter, more informal style, often inspired by jazz and popular genres. It allows musicians to explore different sounds, rhythms, and performance styles while creating a friendly and welcoming atmosphere for the audience.

10. NYIO - Symphony in D Minor (Franck)

Written by César Franck, this symphony is famous for using the same musical themes throughout all three movements. These ideas return in new forms, creating a strong sense of unity. Rich harmonies, warm string writing, and powerful climaxes give this work great emotional depth and make it one of the most important French symphonies.

11. NYIO - Selections from Moana 2

Based on music from Moana 2, these selections continue Moana’s journey of adventure and self-discovery. The music blends modern pop style with Pacific-inspired rhythms and melodies. Strong vocal-style themes, energetic percussion, and colourful orchestration bring the spirit of the film to life in a concert setting.

12. NYIO - Selections from Encanto

Music from Encanto is known for its infectious songs and emotional storytelling. This suite features popular numbers such as 'We Don’t Talk About Bruno' and 'Surface Pressure', combining Latin rhythms, rich harmonies, and expressive melodies. The arrangement allows the orchestra to recreate the excitement and warmth of the film.

13. Percussion Set

This second percussion feature explores new styles and moods, ranging from quiet, atmospheric sounds to fast, rhythm-driven sections. It highlights teamwork, timing, and technical skill, showing how percussionists contribute both energy and musical colour to the orchestra.

14. NYO - Symphony No. 5 - Movements III & IV

The final two movements bring Shostakovich’s Fifth Symphony to a powerful conclusion. The third movement is slow and emotional, featuring expressive string writing and reflective melodies. The fourth movement builds from quiet tension to a dramatic, triumphant ending with blazing brass and full orchestral sound. Together, they create a thrilling and unforgettable finale.