MIXTAPE

Artistic Director & Conductor: Victoria Trenwith

Concert Master: Caitlyn Collins

A new benchmark in orchestral entertainment was set by Hamilton City Pops Orchestra today in their performance titled ‘Mixtape.’

Formed by Victoria and Jeremy Trenwith several years ago, the ethos of City Pops is to provide fun orchestral opportunities for players and audiences by reinventing the experience with 'a broad range of exciting and captivating music.’ The orchestra did that to a packed Clarence St Theatre this afternoon. This was their fourth outing as City Pop and today’s programme featured some highlights from previous performances as well as new pieces.

Act One comprised of medleys from Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables, Louis Armstrong, Disney’s Frozen and Irving Berlin’s Alexander’s Ragtime Band. Act Two started with a costume change (great work on the hair crimping, Katie Wigmore), and it set the tone for an amusing delve into Beethoven, followed by medleys from films Rocky and the James Bond franchise, and excerpts from rock bands Journey and Van Halen.

Trenwith was in her element as conductor and compere. Her introductions were interesting, informative and delivered with enthusiasm and good humour. She had both the stage and auditorium captivated paying full attention to every word, every gesture. This was Trenwith at her best.

The orchestra members were also thoroughly enjoying themselves. The drummer and a couple of the cellists were totally vibing during the Ragtime. Everyone participated in the foot stamps during Frozen. Jackson Mackwood played the tambourine with boxing gloves, and at one stage Trenwith was rocking the devil horns. Duelling saxophones played during Beethoven’s Fifth, and proceedings were rounded out with some Van Halen featuring Hamilton Boys High School Year 11 student Dylan Connolly.

There were opportunities for brief solos and amongst the talent on display was Jordan Wise (oboe), Paul Cakebread (trumpet), Matthew Colvin (clarinet), Colin Ogle (saxophone) and Ye-Gon Ryoo (baritone saxophone). It was a delight to have three French horns in the mix not to mention the entire stage filled with talented musos.

After four incredible concerts, City Pops feels as though it is on the brink of a new chapter. It would be fantastic to see some sponsorship and philanthropic support thrown behind them (hello, you’ll be assured of a full house).

Congratulations to Victoria and her orchestra of superb local musicians. All I Ask Of You is to Jump One More Day and Don’t Stop Believin’.

PS. Matthew Colvin, your mother was bursting with pride during your Satchmo sol as was I as a former clarinettist. You’re making the clarinet super cool again!