Maruki Community Orchestra

Maruki Community Orchestra (MCO) is a symphony orchestra, begun in 2004, rehearsing and performing classical music in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory. The orchestra's members come from various sources: private students, people who have learned orchestral INSTRUMENTS previously, and several professional musicians. It was based at the Belconnen Community Centre, before relocating in 2009 to Ainslie Arts Centre. Its performances are normally at the Albert Hall, Canberra.

The word "Maruki" means "harmonious energy".

Leader

The leader and founder of the orchestra is John Gould, a violist and violinist and teacher, who has previously played with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and London Symphony Orchestra, and was a founding member of the Carl Pini String Quartet.

Guest Conductors

Guest conductors have included:

  • Craig Johnson 1

Music

Maruki sees itself as filling the gaps between Canberra Youth Music's orchestras (supporting those under 23 years of age), National Capital Orchestra (requires Music Grade 8 attainment), the University of the Third Age Orchestra (for musicians over 50) and the Canberra Symphony Orchestra (for professional and/or highly experienced musicians).

John Gould insists that the music be 'big classical', taken at full tempo, and done well; hence recent concerts have included:

  • Ludwig van Beethoven: 3rd Symphony
  • Alexander Borodin: Polovtsian Dances
  • Franz Schubert: Rosamunde Excerpts
  • Max Bruch: Violin Concerto No. 1 in G minor (Soloist: John Gould; guest conductor)
  • Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov: Russian Easter Festiival Overture Op. 36
  • Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Horn Concerto No. 3 in E flat major, K. 447
  • Antonín Dvořák: Symphony No.9, "From the New World"
  • Paul Wranitzky Symphony 3 Opus 33 - 21st Century World Premier concert (200th anniversary year of his death)

Other programs

Maruki is also undertaking:

  • Chamber music and ensemble playing - with regular rehearsals and social gatherings to play
  • Opera and choral collaboration - MCO rehearsed for David Fanshawe's African Sanctus

and intends

  • Regional touring
  • Composer-in-residence
  • Music Workshops

MCO was considered in the Music In Communities Awards for 2008

Guest performers

Guest performers have included:

  • Andrew Lorenz 2 (violinist: Tchaikovsky's violin concerto Op35)