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New conductor for Reading University Symphony Orchestra – University of Reading

David Meacock is the new conductor of the Reading University Symphony Orchestra (RUSO). He completed a Master of Performance degree at The University of Reading in 1990, during which time he conducted the Opera Society's performance of Gounod's Faust which was extremely well received. Before Reading, David Meacock studied conducting, piano, viola and composition at the Royal College of Music, where he was the first student to direct a Mozart Piano Concerto from the keyboard. Since leaving Reading, David has pursued a freelance career as a professional conductor and pianist which has included appearances at the Queen Elizabeth Hall, South Bank, London; St. John's, Smith Square London. Readers who participate in the London 'Concerts From Scratch' events might have come across David's workshops in preparation for Sir David Willcocks' Royal Albert Hall events; or seen David conducting last year's new Christmas Singday event - to be repeated this year. David said: "I am really looking forward to returning to once again to lead Town and Gown music making. We have a good mixture of well known and slightly off-beat repertoire lined up including Beethoven's evergreen Pastoral Symphony No. 6 together with a variety of pieces based on the theme of 'A Night at the Movies', including Rachmaninov's Second Piano Concerto. I hope many will 'come on down' to the Great Hall and join us for some Great Music making!" The University Symphony Orchestra welcomes Music Department students, non Music Department University students and local enthusiastic amateur players. No auditions are necessary, but we do ask for a standard of grade 6-8 or above and a high level of commitment by all its members. All applicants will need to fill in an application form before joining and wind and brass players will be chosen based on information given in this form. Rehearsals are on Thursdays, from 7pm to 9pm at The Great Hall, London Road, Reading, starting on Thursday 9th October 2003. For further details and to download an application form see the University Music Department's Website www.rdg.ac.uk/Music or contact Kristina Sekyere, Tel: (0118) 378 6696, Email: concerts@reading.ac.uk.