Nottingham Youth Training Orchestra

Programme notes

This concert features individual performances from our jazz and symphony orchestras. The repertoire list gives you the running order and indicates which orchestra is performing (NYJO Jazz Orchestra; NYIO Intermediate Orchestra, NYTO Training Orchestra).

1. NYJO - Set 1

NYJO open the concert with a high-energy, dance-inspired set packed with familiar tunes. See if you can spot the rebellious 90s anthem that shook up the grunge scene, the pop hit that urged us all to "Shake It Off," and the soaring theme that made countless boxers sprint triumphantly up a flight of steps. A fun musical challenge to get the afternoon moving!

2. NYTO - Four Pieces from Swan Lake

From the ballet "Swan Lake", NYTO are playing four pieces:

1. Scene
2. Dance Of The Swans
3. Valse
4. Mazurka

These pieces will flow straight through with only a slight pause, so we’d be ever so grateful if you could save your applause for the grand finish — we promise it’ll be worth the wait!

Tchaikovsky wrote the ballet "Swan Lake" between 1875-1876 basing it on German and Russian folk tales. It tells the story of Odette and her friends who have been cursed by the evil Baron Von Rothbart to change into swans by day but take their human form only by night alongside an enchanted lake. The spell can only be broken if someone who has never loved before swears his love for Odette.

Prince Siegfried has been told by his mother that he must find a wife and organises a ball for him to meet prospective suitors. However, while out hunting one night he comes across the enchanted girls and once he had allayed their fear of him, Odette and he start to fall in love.

Back at the palace the ball is in full swing and six princesses dance to attract Siegfried’s attention but Rothbart’s daughter appears disguised as Odette and Siegfried dances with her. The real Odette appears at the window and tries to warn of the deception but she is not able to attract anyone’s attention. By the end of the ball Siegfried announces his undying love for the woman he thinks is Odette but Rothbart removes the disguise and a distraught Siegfried rushes from the palace to the lake where Odette and the other cursed princesses are. Odette is distraught that he has pledged love to another, but he explains and although she forgives him, she decides to kill herself rather than remain a swan forever. Siegfried says he would rather die with her than live without her, and the pair dive into the lake where they will stay together forever. This causes the the curse to be broken, the power of which kills Rothbart, and the other maidens are released from the spell and watch as Siegfried and Odette ascend into heaven together, united in love.

3. NYIO - Danse Macabre

The Intermediate Orchestra begin our first set with "Danse Macabre" by Saint-Saëns. According to legend, every year at Halloween, Death appears in the graveyard and summons the skeletons to dance with him whilst he plays the "Dance of Death" on the fiddle. The Second Violins, who represent Death, are required to tune their E string to an E flat for this piece, which creates a jarring dissonance when played with their open A string. This dissonance is a 'tritone' sometimes known as the 'devil in music'. "Danse Macabre" begins quietly with the distant sound of twelve chimes of the clock, followed by eerie footsteps. Death then appears and plays his devilish fiddle. The dance features irregular phrase lengths creating an angular effect. Energetic, spikey wind motifs alternate with a broad string melody and fiery orchestral tuttis, and each section of the orchestra presents the theme at some stage. The piece comes to a quiet close when the rooster crows for dawn (solo oboe) and the skeletons return to their graves - no doubt with sore feet, a few missing bones, and a promise to do it all again next year.

4. NYIO - Polovtsian Dances from Act 2 of the Opera Prince Igor

Full of exotic colour, rhythm and melody, the "Polovtsian Dances" from Act 2 of Borodin's Opera Prince Igor have become a popular standalone concert item. The sequence of orchestral dances captures the seductive allure and wild energy of the nomadic Polovtsian people, who historically stood as both enemies and romanticised figures in Russian lore. The music is full of Eastern influences and lush orchestration ranging from the tender melodies of the Introduction and First Dance to the driving explosive rhythms of the Third Dance and Coda.

5. NYJO - Set 2

For their second set, NYJO slip into something a little smoother. See if you can spot the classic song that serenades the hours from dusk to dawn, the dreamy number that’s called on a certain bringer of sleep, and the Latin hit that’s guaranteed to get hips swaying. Another musical puzzle to keep you guessing!

6. INTERVAL - 'Bridgford Quartet' in the Bar!

During the interval, the 'Bridgford Quartet' made up of senior orchestra members Collin Wong, Evan Au-Yong, Frederick Turner and Emily Turner will entertain you in the Bar with a lively selection of dance-inspired music. Do stop by and enjoy this talented ensemble’s uplifting and spirited playing.

7. NYJO - Set 3

NYJO turn up the energy for their third set, blending anthemic melodies and dancefloor favourites with a jazz twist. Listen out for the chart-topping anthem made famous by Coldplay, the soulful tune that captures the magic of after-dark adventures, and the 80s classic that’s all about a little respect. Another chance to test your musical know-how while keeping those feet moving.

8. NYTO - Rock Around The Clock

Rock Around The Clock" is a rock and roll song in the 12 bar blues format written by Max C. Freedman and James E. Myers in 1952. The best-known and most successful rendition was recorded by "Bill Haley and His Comets" in1954 for American Decca. It was a number one single for two months and did well on the United Kingdom charts; the recording also reentered the UK Singles Chart in the 1960s and 1970s. It was the first rock and roll record to top the pop charts in both the US and UK and Haley's recording became an anthem for rebellious 1950s youths.

9. NYTO - Norwegian Dance

Grieg was greatly influenced by folk music of his country, Norway, and wrote four Norwegian dances, the second of which we play here. The "Norwegian Dances" were originally written for four hands at one piano and were orchestrated by the Czech violinist Hans Sitt in 1888. Since then they have become great orchestral favourites.

10. NYTO - Polka from Schwanda the Bagpiper

The opera "Schwanda the Bagpiper" was written by Jaromír Weinberger in 1926. From this opera the Training Orchestra play the "Polka", which is a lively dance, typically in 2/4 time. The steps for the dance have been described as being one-two-three-hop; hopefully you will be able to feel this rhythm while we’re playing.

11. NYTO - Mexican Medley

Graham Frewer’s "Mexican Medley" gives the percussion plenty to do in the opening section before we reach a gentle, lilting melody where strings are asked to play pizzicato. This takes us through to a rousing 12/8 section telling us that Mexicans dance on their hats.

12. NYTO - Farandole From L'Arlésienne Suite No. 2

Bizet was commissioned to write the incidental music for Adolphe Daudet’s play "L’Arlésienne" (The Lady of Arles) in 1872. A second suite was written in 1879 from which this Farandole is taken. A "Farand" is a lively Provençal dance in which men and women hold hands to form a chain and follow a leader through a snaking course. The grand opening of the piece, based on a thirteenth century French Christmas carol, the March of the Kings, leads us into the lively dance which still uses the same thematic material.

13. NYIO - Shut Up and Dance

We launch into our second set with an electrifying burst of energy, as the Woodwind, Brass, and Percussion sections bring you "Shut Up and Dance" by Walk the Moon. With infectious rhythms and bold melodies, this high-energy number sets the tone for an unforgettable performance, so let the music move you, and get ready to dance!

14. NYIO - Libertango

The NYIO Strings bring you "Libertango", the fiery and passionate masterpiece by Argentine tango composer Astor Piazzolla. A bold declaration of freedom, this piece marked Piazzolla’s transition from traditional tango to tango nuevo, blending classical and jazz influences with the signature intensity of Argentine dance music. With driving rhythms, soaring melodies, and an unmistakable sense of urgency, Libertango embodies the spirit of liberation and movement.

15. NYIO - Hoe-down from Rodeo

Originally sub-titled "The Courting at Burnt Ranch", Copland's 1942 opera Rodeo musically captures the spirit of the American West. Set against a ranch backdrop, the opera tells the story of a cowgirl trying to win the attention of the Head Wrangler. The Hoe-Down depicts a lively Saturday night dance at the ranch house and opens with a brash attention-grabbing introduction. The music gallops forward with strident syncopated rhythms, open strings and big dynamic contrasts. Copland based much of the music on traditional American folk tunes, including the old fiddle tune "Bonaparte’s Retreat". The piece is technically demanding for every section of the orchestra!

16. NYIO - Ballet Music from Le Cid (3 movements)

5. Catalane
6. Aubade
7. Navarraise

French composer Jules Massenet’s "Le Cid" is a grand opera based on the legendary Spanish hero Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar, known as 'El Cid'. Whilst the opera itself is rarely performed in its entirety today, its ballet suite has enjoyed lasting popularity in concert programmes. The ballet music occurs in Act 2 during a celebration in the Spanish city of Burgos. At the height of the festivities, dancing unfolds, showcasing a series of regional dances. The soulful Catalane conjures the spirited traditions of Catalonia with its rhythmic drive and colorful instrumentation, prominently featuring the cello section. The "Madrilène" represents the elegance and charm of Madrid, whilst the final "Navarraise" is vibrant and festive, bringing the suite to an increasingly lively, celebratory close.

17. NYJO - Set 4

NYJO bring the afternoon to a roaring finale with a high-voltage medley but can you name all three tracks? One blasts in with brass and funk to spare, one dives deep into Latin drama, and one moonwalks straight from the shadows with a touch of the undead. Big horns, bold moods, and just the right amount of thriller, see if you can keep up!