The more than 80 members of the symphonic wind orchestra of Royal Sophia's Vereeniging from Loon op Zand can be proud. At the end of October, they gave two fantastic sold out concerts in the Czech Republic with a total of more than 1,000 audience. The Orchestra performed among other things the impressive Carmina Burana of Carl Orff after which a thunderous applause with standing ovation erupted. It was a unique concert tour where everyone looks back on with pleasure. "The foreign concert tours give all our talents the opportunity to play on unique places," says Prof. Dr. Peter Essers, President of the Orchestra. The concert tour of Royal Sophia's Vereeniging to Prague and Pilsen was supported by NCCC and the Netherlands Embassy in Prague.
Royal Sophia's Vereeniging from Loon op Zand, founded in 1864, is one of the most famous symphonic wind orchestras of the Netherlands. The music of Sophia's explains connections between people of all ages, walks of life anywhere in the world. Sophia has won many awards and competitions in its rich history. Also over the borders is the passion and quality of the unique Orchestra very well known. Previous concert tours brought Sophia all to America, Italy, Russia and Hungary.
Highlight in Prague
The highlight of the concert tour was the performance in the Smetana Hall of the Municipal House in Prague. The concert on 30 October was a collaboration with the choir VUS of Charles University. The choir has no fewer than 100 members and brought together with the Orchestra of Sophia's Vereeniging the Carmina Burana by Carl Orff. Along with three soloists and a children's choir was this performance a unique experience. Guests heard a perfect performance of this very well known and prized piece.
Peter Essers adds: "Peter Keulers, Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in the Czech Republic was visibly impressed by the high quality of this amateur orchestra. I am very proud of all the orchestra members and conductors who have been preparing for months, and with so much passion and joy of making music."
Foundation music training Loon op Zand
At Sophia's Vereeniging can anyone, young and old get a thorough musical education, which is part of the "Foundation music training Loon op Zand". It is intended that the students after (or during) the music training, take a seat in one of the orchestras of the Association Sophia. Would you like more information about the Association or about the music training? Take a look on the website www.sophiasvereeniging.nl.
