Welcome to ICSO

Every year ICSO goes on to reach new heights, and this last year was no exception. Some said nothing could surpass the Orchestra's incredible trip to South Africa in January 2010, but they were wrong. The Orchestra once again travelled to London's prestigious Cadogan Hall, home of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, in March for an exceptional performance of Mahler's epic 2nd Symphony. Performing to a sell-out audience and with the help of friends in IC Choir this was certainly a highlight of the year. Having said that the Orchestra went on to another amazing concert in May performing Prokofiev's less well known Romeo and Juliet Suite No 1, and Gershwin's Piano Concert in F fabulously performed by Adam Ezzamel a runner up from the Annual Concerto Competition.

With the new academic year just beginning, we look forward to welcoming new faces to the Orchestra as new students join Imperial. Having been invited to play for Bishop Michael Marshall's Golden Jubilee Celebration of Ministry and Music Making, which will take place at Holy Trinity Sloane Square in October, the new year will certainly be kicked off in style. Following this we have both our annual trip to the Thomas Hardye School in Dorchester and the first South Kensington concert in November, the repertoire for which will include Gershwin's Suite from Porgy and Bess and Bartok's Concerto for Orchestra. Alasdair Warwick, the winner of our concerto competition, is also preparing a stunning performance of Prokofiev's Piano Concerto No.1. Needless to say the first term is just the beginning as in February we will once again travel to Cadogan Hall for a concert in aid of Genesis Trust, which will include a performance of Prokofiev's Peter and the Wolf narrated by the brilliant Professor Robert Winston. This undoubtedly promises to be a night to remember! With all this and more this next year promises to be full of fun and brilliance - and that's just the music!

Helen Pratt

ICSO Chair 2011/12