 Tom
Parsons & The Hertfordshire Guitar Orchestra
Tom Parsons has been a professional musician for thirty years.
He worked in the Rock and Pop fields initially, before studying
for a London College of Music Performers Diploma in Classical
Guitar. He then formed and ran a successful dance band working
mainly the larger hotels in London and the Home Counties.
He has also worked for many years for the Hertfordshire Music
Service and now devotes his time to teaching, composing,
arranging and running......
The Hertfordshire Guitar Orchestra
The Hertfordshire Guitar Orchestra is a professionally
directed orchestra comprised of high standard amateur and
professional players.
Founded in 1993 it has rapidly developed into a regularly
performing concert orchestra. A musical policy that spans
all styles from classical to rock to jazz to flamenco to
world music and a repertoire that is immediate, often exciting
and quite definitely "fun to play and fun to listen to" results
in an immensely entertaining concert programme. All music
in the repertoire has been arranged or composed specifically,
and for the exclusive use of the orchestra. This policy,
and a line up that blends electric and bass guitars with
classical guitars, has resulted in a unique and surprisingly
powerful sound.
Membership is open to all ages with a minimum ability
equivalent to grade 6 standard, along with competent music
reading and committment which are necessary to be able
to cope with the demands of rehearsing and performing the
programme material. Prospective members of a lower standard
are welcome to apply but would need to demonstrate a very
high level of motivation and committment to be considered..
Quotes...
"Rarely,
if ever, have I experienced a more perfect musical
backdrop
to a (perfect) summer's day than the sound of the Hertfordshire
Guitar
Orchestra.
The music enveloped us like rays of warm sunshine..........the
sound of
the grouped guitars simply amazing. It was my first encounter,
but it left a lasting
impression and I will be back for more."
Grelle White
Freelance journalist and columnist for the Watford
Observer.
"The
Hertfordshire Guitar Orchestra was the highlight of
the
Village Venue Concert Series this year.........they delighted
the
audience with their lively ensemble programme and exceptionally
talented soloists."
Lisa Nolan
East Herts District Council Arts Officer.
Contact Tom
Parsons
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Audio Clips
Dreams of Distant Lands (Africa) by Tom Parsons
Rondeau Caprice by John Rutter arranged by Tom
Parsons
Spring by Antonio Vivaldi arranged by Alan Haigh
Stairway to Heaven by J.Page & R.Plant arranged
by Tom Parsons
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