The "ARPA Music Group" started in 1983 with 6 players and rehearsed at the Flinders Street School of Music which also provided music and conductors who were either students or lecturers. As the Group improved it commenced entertaining in the Community. In 1989 Ken Berris joined the group as Musical Director and initiated large improvements in repertoire and performance.
During the following 10 years about 10 to 15 Concerts were presented each year with programs consisting of light to classical favourites, popular and middle of the road music. These have been thoroughly enjoyed by all audiences mainly of Service Clubs, Senior Citizens Clubs and Retirement Villages. More recently formal Concerts have been presented at venues such as the Golden Grove Arts Theatre and the European Convention Centre and for Official Opening Ceremonies.
A recent most successful innovation was presenting a concert to a huge audience which consisted of three combined Seniors facilities and a Seniors Club. Equally the members enjoy playing and claim that it helps to keep them young at heart.
In 1999 we had 25 permanent players plus a few guests and we had the privilege to give the opportunity to a Conservatorium student to experience singing with an Orchestra. This soprano, Samantha Rubenhold, is now singing with Co-Opera. In 2000-2001 we presented soprano, Shannon Widdison, who has since graduated. In 2002-2004 we featured Kerry Wake-Dyster and our resident soprano is Jane
Lautenschlager who delights audiences and presents duets with our students which are extremely well received. The 2005 student is Desiree Frahn. Other discovered talents in the Orchestra include a
harmonica, an accordianist and vocalists. Duos and trios of violin, piano and bass are included in Concerts from time to time. The fostering of new talent is now a very important part of our Concert scheduling. The membership is not restricted to "Retired" persons and it grew in 2000 to 36 & to 40 in 2002.
Due to the rapidly escalating size the Orchestra must now try to restrict its performances to suitable sized venues and is succeeding very well. The Orchestra Members are proud of its friendly and happy environment and this shows in Public Performance where Concerts are presented with a lot of fun and what we describe as "sufficient Orchestral protocol". A good example was the Orchestra becoming a
choir "In a Persian Market". Each year a "Concert for Family and Friends" ( being everyone ) is held and is free but any donations made go to a worthy Charity. The 2004 Concert celebrated 20 Years of entertaining in the Community. In September 2005 the Orchestra performed 6 Concerts over 5 days for the Out Of The Square Matinee Series which is held at Port Noarlunga Arts Centre, Marion Cultural Centre, Star Theatres at Hilton, Parks Arts Centre, Shedley Theatre and Golden Grove Arts Complex. These Concerts were very well received and advance bookings are flowing in. By its nature the Orchestra is not a profit making group and other donations enable it to maintain its library and other operating expenses. The repertoire has included : Begin the Beguine, Fiddler on the Roof, Parade of the Tin Soldiers, Blue Moon and light classics like the Great Gate of Kiev, Procession of the Sardar and excerpts from The Nutcracker Suite.
Playing members, Jim and Peter are arranging many excellent pieces.
Recently Ken Berris received the OAM, a complete surprise amidst his extensive 80th birthday celebrations !
The Orchestra has a wind quintet called "The Windbags" which is also available for bookings and a string quartet or any other Community Entertainment Groups can be contacted via the Secretary.
Bookings are most welcome for 2008, an in-tune piano is generally required at venues.
The ARPA Orchestra returns to Out Of The Square Matinees in 2008 at $12 or $50 the 5 Matinee Series :