Build our new orchestra
Organised by Platinum Choral FoundationHelp us to launch our new, in-house period instrument ensemble to perform Handel's Messiah, together with our Boy and Girl Choristers and professional Vocal Consort
Story
Our Founder, Scott, introduces Platinum Consort
At primary school I was told I couldn't sing. It was something that stuck with me for a long time. A decade later I was reading music at Cambridge and singing in the world famous King's College Choir, leading to the formation of Platinum Consort. Singing is now my life and career. At Platinum, we celebrate the evolution of the voice; from our young Choristers to our keen workshop singers of all ages, and our professional consort members, all of whom are at the top of their game. BBC Radio 3 describes us as a "vocal supergroup". When anyone joins us for a concert, service, workshop or coaching, our goal is to live up to this plaudit, through vocal excellence and a devotion and fervour for the music we perform."
Our new orchestra, Platinum 415
The Platinum vision has always included developing an in-house period instrument orchestra.
We will launch our orchestra at our third annual Handel Messiah concert at St John’s Smith Square on 18th November 2023.
For the past two years, we have booked a pre-existing professional orchestra for our Handel Messiah, which comes with its own identity and priorities. We have learnt a great deal from these very worthwhile experiences, but feel it is time to go it alone and start our own ensemble!
Our band will be called Platinum 415: this number is significant because it is the frequency (in Hz) of the tuning note of an orchestra in the Baroque period.
Supple orchestral performance, outstanding singers, masterful Scott and those boys. It was a delight." – Rosemary, audience member 2021
An orchestra costs how much?!
Here's a snapshot of just some of our costs: the £10,000 goal includes fees for all 22 players in the orchestra, the hire of instruments such as organ and harpsichord, some much-needed marketing to get us off the ground, and the wider costs of the concert itself!
The whole concert was electrifying. Beautiful performance and you should be immensely proud." – Jo, audience member 2021
How you can help
By donating to our cause, you will help us to pay individually for our choice of exceptional musicians, allowing full artistic authority over the quality of the performance. This is not only beneficial for the professional Vocal Consort but provides a unique experience for the young Platinum Boy and Girl Choristers. With the Consort, Choristers and 415 Orchestra all forming one Platinum ensemble, it will increase the sense of belonging and ownership of each performer, enhancing the experience for the audience.
Launching Platinum 415 will not be possible without your support, so please consider donating today!
Thanks for reading,
Team Platinum xx
Thank you for a really terrific performance last night. It had the same excitement as hearing the piece for the first time!" – Penny, audience member 2022