Intermediate Orchestra

Programme notes

'A Journey in Music' 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).

1. NYTO - Clash and Roar

After an initial fanfare style section, the first theme is introduced. Soon after the second theme is used as a counter melody against the first melody and these two tunes are used throughout the piece, creating different textures between the wind and string sections. All the way through the percussion has an important part to play, binding many sections together.

2. NYTO - Rain

It is difficult to hear 'Singin’ In The Rain' without visualising Gene Kelly, umbrella in hand, splashing through puddles, or 'Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head' without thinking of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. In 'Rain' we bring them together with the standard 'Come Rain or Come Shine' into a medley helping us think of the good and bad of rainy days.

3. NYTO - Brahms Symphony No. 4 (3rd movement)

Brahms wrote his 'fourth symphony' between 1884 and 1885 with it being first performed, with him conducting, in October 1885. The 'third movement' is good natured and boisterous with delicate episodes that contrast the energetic opening, giving every section of the orchestra a chance to shine and display their own sounds and character.

4. NYTO - Shake It Off

'Shake It Off' is a song by Taylor Swift which is the lead track on her fifth studio album, 1989 which went on to win a Grammy Award for Producer Of The Year for it’s producer Max Martin.

5. NYTO - Finlandia

Sibelius is often identified by the scoring and lush melodies evoking the wilderness and grandeur of the North and his home country Finland.  In 1899 he composed 'Finlandia' for a fund raising pageant at a time when Finnish nationalism was running high. The Finnish audiences were so profoundly moved by this music the the czarist government forbade its performances during the times of political unrest.  While being simple in form and structure its dramatic elements are extremely effective.

6. NYTO - Polar Express

It is Christmas Eve and a young boy boards the 'Polar Express' on a magical trip to the North Pole guided by its conductor. In this 2004 animated fantasy adventure film, based on a book by Chris Van Allsburg, Tom Hanks stars voices many of the characters. In this arrangement five of the popular songs make a very pleasing medley.

7. NYIO - Introduction and Waltz from 'Sleeping Beauty'

This afternoon NYIO will be performing a wide range of music from different musical periods.

We open with the Introduction and Waltz from Tchaikovsky's 'Sleeping Beauty' ballet. The second of Tchaikovsky's three ballets, 'Sleeping Beauty' explores the contrasting themes of good and evil and uses various musical themes to express this. Although the ballet is enormously popular in its own right, the music is also well known from its use in the Disney film of the same name. The Waltz in particular is instantly recognisable with its famous melody and swaying flow.

8. NYIO - Mars from 'The Planets'

'The Planets' is Gustav Holst's most famous composition and depicts the Astrological character of each planet, as opposed to the Roman Gods. 'Mars' is described as 'the Bringer of War'. Immediately striking in 'Mars' is the time signature of five beats in each bar, which Holst uses to create unusual and interesting rhythmic effects. The piece begins quietly and the strings are asked to play col legno - using the wood of the bow which creates a percussive effect. This leads to the first of many build-ups to a full orchestral explosion. Solo phrases feature throughout the movement, particularly for brass instruments. The central slower section sees snaking melodies wind their way up to the return of the powerful main theme. The piece ends with a frantic scurry towards powerful dissonant chords.

9. NYIO - Highights from Wicked

Since its Broadway debut in 2003, 'Wicked' has become a modern classic, a reputation reinforced by the recent film adaptation. With music by Stephen Schwartz, the musical tells the story of two young women who meet at school in the magical land of Oz: Elphaba, the misunderstood girl who will one day be called the Wicked Witch, and Glinda, the popular student who will become the Good Witch. This orchestral arrangement weaves together several of Wicked’s most famous songs into a journey through the show’s emotional highs and lows. The music moves seamlessly between catchy pop-inspired melodies and more symphonic orchestrations that give each section of the orchestra their moment in the spotlight. The harmonies often make use of chords and scales associated with magic and witchcraft.

10. NYIO - Lord of the Dance

We finish our set with music from the Irish musical, 'Lord of the Dance', a production created by dancer Michael Flatley. The musical follows the story of the character The Lord of the Dance and his fight against the evil dark lord Don Dorcha from taking over Planet Ireland. Following a mysterious introduction featuring a piccolo solo, the music transitions into several high-tempo folk-style dance themes for an energetic end to our section of the concert.

11. NYO - Rain, Steam and Speed

Inspired by J.M.W. Turner’s famous painting of the same name, 'Rain, Steam and Speed' evokes the energy and motion of the Industrial Revolution. McDowall’s vivid writing captures the rhythmic pulse of the train, the sweep of rain and mist, and the tension between nature and human progress. The work’s shifting textures and driving momentum create a thrilling soundscape that mirrors Turner’s blurred, dynamic brushstrokes.

12. INTERVAL

NYJO in the Bar!

13. NYO - Dvorak Symphony No. 8 in G major, Op. 88

Composed in 1889, Dvorak's Eighth Symphony is one of his most joyful and lyrical works. Drawing inspiration from the Czech countryside, it brims with folk-like melodies, vibrant dance rhythms, and rich orchestral colour. From its serene opening to the jubilant finale, the symphony celebrates nature, optimism, and Dvorak's national spirit.