Orchestra

The Orchestra

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Director: Paul Wright

Paul Wright has established a diverse career as a performer, arranger, composer, and educator. Graduating from the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester in 1999 he began his performing career as a trombone player in the orchestra on board the QE2.

Moving to London in 2002 Paul worked extensively on over forty West End and touring musicals, in addition to appearing in house bands and as a guest on primetime BBC television shows including Strictly Come Dancing; the UK equivalent of Dancing with the Stars.

With several orchestra credits also to his name including the Halle Orchestra, Tampere Philharmonic (Finland), Orquesta d’Algarve (Portugal), and the Houston Civic Symphony Orchestra (U.S.), the highlight was undoubtedly working with the London Philharmonic Orchestra.

Whilst a member of the band for the UK touring production of Guys & Dolls, Paul was invited to become the Associate Musical Director and began conducting the show on a weekly basis. A following contract saw Paul accept the position of Assistant Musical Director of the West End revival of Fiddler on the Roof at the Savoy Theatre, London.

Since 2010, Paul has predominantly focused on education and prior to his move to Qatar was Director of Music & Performing Arts at the British International School of Houston. During the six years in Houston, Paul was named Musical Director of the Global Orchestra featuring students from 20 countries in collaboration with the Juilliard School for a performance in New York in 2015.

Moving to Qatar in 2017, Paul is currently the lead teacher for Music at Qatar Academy Doha. He is delighted and honoured to be invited to be the Doha Community Orchestra Musical Director for 2018/19 and is excited about the season ahead.

FAQs

Who needs to audition?

  • All new members must audition for placement into the Orchestra and/or Wind Symphony. Any former or current members wishing to play as a section leader or principal player, must also audition.

What should I play?

  • Musicians are asked to prepare a short solo (2-3 minutes). You will also be asked to sight read a short piece during the audition.

The season already started, can I still audition?

  • Absolutely! The Orchestra and Wind Symphony welcome new members throughout the season. Simply contact the DCO to arrange a private audition with the conductors.

I don’t have my own instrument; can I rent one from the orchestra or wind symphony?

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