When it became apparent that Trinity term would be happening remotely, the new UCMS committee sat down to plan how to continue the music making in the college virtually.  Along with Open Mic Nights via zoom and a very special 90th anniversary Master’s Lodgings concert, where we thanked the Master and Lady Crewe for all of their support over the years, the idea of running a virtual orchestra project came about.

Inspired by The Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra, the idea seemed simple; each person recorded themselves playing and then the individual recordings would be edited together to produce one final video.  Whilst the editing process was a steep learning curve, the virtual orchestra project is now complete, and a finished video of Ode to Joy can be found below.

It was open to the whole college community with the aim to get as many people involved as possible.  In total, we received around 30 recordings from members of Univ Orchestra, current students and staff, and even some Old Members too!

The finished performance would not have been possible without all of the performers to whom I am extremely grateful.  Hopefully, when social distancing restrictions are eased, we will be able to perform again in person as a group.

Sarah Chapman (2018, MChem Chemistry)
Co-president UCMS 2020 – 2021

Published: 17 June 2020

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