Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ

On Sunday, the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ National Orchestra of Wales travelled to Marlborough College, Wiltshire. I was very excited to be going to Marlborough as I thought I would get the chance to see Blenheim Castle. Turns out it's not in Marlborough, Wiltshire.

There had been much discussion over the week as to whether we would actually make it to Marlborough. While we were in the studio work-shopping with composers, the weather outside was getting colder and grimmer. The weather forecast had been predicting blizzards on an apocalyptic scale, but as it happened we only ended up with an inch or two of rather patchy whiteness and fairly clear main roads.

For me Sunday was one of those days when the simplest of tasks seemed incredibly difficult. To start with, I did not want to get up at all. When I did get up, it was only to realise I'd had a hot water fail and was only able to have a tepid shower. Next, and in what was a particularly special moment, I put cold instead of hot water in my cafetière. And all this before 8am.

However, I arrived on time for the coach and subsequently, for rehearsal. There was a little bit of jostling on the stage to try to get everyone accommodated comfortably, there was a little bit of a lights issue and a gurgling drain, but there was also, hot coffee and it was decidedly warmer on stage than it was outside, so all in all, I think things could have been a lot worse!

The first piece on the programme was a new work to me. Adapted from 's score for the film Lady Caroline Lamb (an aristocrat who was a bit naughty with Lord Byron, despite being married to a prime minister), the work is for solo viola (Philip Dukes - also artistic director of music at Marlborough College) and orchestra. I liked it very much - not just because I am a violist, but also because it was quite luscious and melodic.

After this came Schumann's Cello Concerto (soloist, Natalie Clein), a work notable for its inclusion of the Knight Rider theme tune in the final movement.

The second half was DvoΕ™Γ΅k's Eighth Symphony. DvoΕ™Γ΅k symphonies are always a good play. A particular favourite passage of mine in this symphony is in the last movement when the horns play something that resembles elephants harrumphing. Listen to it, you'll hear what I mean.

For such a cold, inclement Sunday afternoon, there was a really fabulous turn out. As the hall was steeply tiered, it gave the concert quite an intimate feel and the audience was very appreciative.

Of course, one of the most important aspects of the day was the Ireland - Wales Six Nations clash. Our concert began, rather inconveniently, at the same time as the match. At our half time, Ireland were ahead, by the end of the concert they had lost. It was upsetting. Sometimes it is very difficult to be an Irishwoman in a Welsh band.