Welcome to the Orchfest Web site

A weekend orchestral course in Eastbourne

For amateur enthusiasts

Each year musicians from all over the country meet in Eastbourne to play a selection of pieces chosen by our conductor and with input by members. The course is held in a traditional seafront hotel. It is not all hard work, there is also time to explore shops and other attractions of this popular resort. We aim to gather together a full size symphony orchestra although this may mean there will be limited places for brass, woodwind or percussion players but do contact us if you are interested. Also, why not come with a friend or family, there's plenty to do in Eastbourne while you play!

The music can be challenging at times but the atmosphere is friendly and relaxed and we get a lot of positive feedback ranging from excellent to brilliant! The Hotel is perfectly located near the Pier and has a great sea-side atmosphere. We negotiate special rates!

I look forward to next year!

Margar
Update

The next course will be the weekend of 6 - 8 September 2024

To be held at the Cumberland Hotel

Grand Parade

Eastbourne

We have also booked the hotel for the following year: 5 - 7 September 2025

The course fee remains unchanged at £75 per person as we are a not for profit organisation.

This year's conductor: Standing in for Georg Ludvik is Sam Scheer who has recently become quite popular on the London music scene.

We urge you to apply early as there is a limit to the space availabe in the rehearsal hall and we also need to know how many music parts to order. Please apply by the end of March. If you need to cancel we can arrange a full refund up to 30 June.

The music we hope to play :

Massenet Le Cid ballet music
https://imslp.org/wiki/Le_Cid_(Massenet,_Jules)

Tchaikovsky     Symphony no. 3 (The Polish)
https://imslp.org/wiki/Symphony_No.3%2C_Op.29_(Tchaikovsky%2C_Pyotr)

Suppe Die Schone Galathea Overture
https://imslp.org/wiki/Die_sch%C3%B6ne_Galath%C3%A9e_(Supp%C3%A9,_Franz_von)

Gliere    Russian Sailors Dance
https://imslp.org/wiki/The_Red_Poppy%2C_Op.70_(Gli%C3%A8re%2C_Reinhold)

Scroll down for more course information

Hotel Accommodation:

Address:

The Cumberland Hotel 34-36 Grand Parade, Eastbourne BN21 3YT

You will need to reserve your own hotel room so do this early!

The best number is 01323 730342. Mention you are with Orchfest and you will be booked in at the discount rate:

The Hotel charges for 2024

B&B: £82.50 per person per night

B&B plus evening meal: £92.50

If you wish to cancel, the cut off date for the hotel returning a deposit is 2 weeks prior to arrival.

(There are plenty of other hotels in the area should you require something more (or less) up market)

ORCHFEST 24 Timetable:

Friday Check-in from 15.00 onwards

Evening dinner 18.00 - 19.15pm

Friday evening 20.00-21.00 rehearsal

Saturday breakfast 8 to 9.15

Saturday morning full orchestra: 9.30 to 11.00 and 11.30 to 12.45 (Coffee at 11.00)

Saturday afternoon: 14.00 - 15.30 Brass only rehearsal with Martin Bunce in Ball Room

Saturday afternoon: Strings rehearsal: 16.30 to 18.00pm in Ball Room

Saturday afternoon: Woodwind rehearsal: 16.30 to 18.00 in Derwent Room

Saturday evening dinner: 18.00 to 19.15pm

Saturday evening: Full orchestra rehearsal: 20.00 to 21.00pm

Sunday breakfast; 8 to 9.15 am *Pack suitcases etc

Sunday Morning: Full Orchestra: 9.45 to 11.00, Coffee at 11.00 - 11.30, then Full Orchestra 11.30 to 12.30

Sunday afternoon: 14.00 - 14.45 Top 'n Tail for "concert".

Concert at 15.00 lasting 30 minutes, followed by tea and coffee.