The highlight of the BNSO�s 2010 season was its Annual Gala Concert held on Saturday May 15 in the College of The Bahamas Performing Arts Centre. The fifty piece orchestra performed a varied programme of classical works in the first half followed by lighter contemporary selections in the second half. Soloists included classical vocalist Candace Bostwick and well known Bahamian entertainer Ronnie Armbrister. The audience rose in a standing ovation following the impressive finale of Tchaikovsky�s 1812 overture complete with cannon effects and spectacular on screen fireworks display. The concert was followed by a catered reception at which concertgoers enjoyed interacting with orchestra members.
BNSO members continued their tradition of participating in several programmes within the community assisting other musical groups whenever orchestral players were needed. These included:
- The Ebenezer Methodist Church Lenten Concert.
- The Ebenezer Methodist Church Christmas Concert.
- The Christmas Concert of the Seventh Day Adventist Church Men�s Choir.
- The Christmas Concert of the Bel Canto Singers.
- String Trio performance during the 200th Anniversary service of St. Andrews Presbyterian Church on November 28.
The orchestra is committed to the training of young instrumentalists to the level of proficiency required to play in the orchestra.  String players, especially violinists, are in greatest demand and so to this end a very successful Suzuki programme has been initiated. Mr. Martin Goldman, President of the Suzuki Violin Association of South Florida, came in January for discussions with members of the orchestra and has set up a programme in which he comes twice a month to teach classes on Saturdays and Sundays. In March, a group of young apprentices from the BNSO traveled to Florida to participate in a Suzuki workshop at the Broward Community College, in Ft. Lauderdale. A very successful Summer String Camp took place from June 21-July 2. This was organized by Mr. Goldman who was assisted by members of the BNSO. Another expanded camp is being planned for this coming summer.
In October, during a press conference at their head office, the Cable Cares Foundation of The Bahamas very generously presented a cheque to the BNSO for the purchase of a harp to support the orchestra�s ongoing development. Members of the Board stated that they recognized the contribution of The Bahamas National Symphony Orchestra to the community and were especially pleased to note the work it is doing in the training of young musicians who will make sure that the BNSO continues way into the future.
| 20 may 2011: Update from Suzuki Programme: as of this morning, Isabel Bravo and Oliver Zigel graduated from Twinkle. They played with beautiful sound and a lot of confidence. |
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