All Star Orchestra

[Chris Olka]

Ok, I'm not a self-promoter so don't like to make posts like this but...I've been asked a lot and repeatedly about this group. So, here are some details.

It was a group conceived, hired, and conducted by my former music director, Gerard Schwarz. I've been playing for Jerry since I was a student at Juilliard in 1996 and he knows my playing. I suppose he likes it and that's why I was hired for the group. The group is comprised of players from all over the country in top-level orchestras that Jerry either knew personally or by reputation. He assembled the orchestra last August 2012 in NYC and we recorded these HD broadcasts for Public Television that will be aired this Fall. There was no rehearsal. We showed up and recorded every note as an un-rehearsed performance. It was thrilling and with the level of players in the group not much of a problem really. We knew the repertoire ahead of time and everyone practiced their music ahead of time but there where no rehearsals. In my neighborhood of the orchestra I'd worked with every one of the members of the low brass section before. Some of them extensively. So, it was a plug-and-play situation. No need to talk, just play and listen. It's not a spotless, note-perfect show but you'll be hard pressed to find ensemble problems! The whole idea was to see the effects of spontaneous music-making on top level players. It was recorded with an army of HD cameras and Go-Pros placed everywhere and quite honestly, that was the most distracting part. However, after seeing some of the playback, it really will be a feast for the eyes and ears!

I do not know if there are plans to record or continue at this time. I suppose it will depend on how the first season of broadcasts are received. Everything was done in 4 days time. More info and a short trailer can be found at:
http://www.allstarorchestra.org" target="_blank

I hope that answers all the questions I've received about the project. I can't wait to watch the shows this fall when they're aired. Time and channel info will most likely be published locally to your individual Public Broadcast network.

Hope that helps,
Chris Olka
Seattle Symphony
Seattle Opera

[Chris Olka]

What's a vacuum cleaner?

[Chris Olka]

Well...you're right about that...vacuumed the money right out of my pocket...TWICE!

[mjrctuba]

Thanks, Chris, for posting about this project. I have bookmarked that link and I will be setting my DVR for it in the fall!

[chhite]

Screen shot from the end of the trailer