ARPA Orchestra ( Australian Retired Persons Assoc. )

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, the European Convention Centre and for Official Opening Ceremonies plus large COTA Every Generation events. 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 Desiree Frahn in 2005. We have featured in many concerts the soprano, Jane Lautenschlager and / or Etiennette Fennell who also plays cello in the orchestra. Other discovered talents in the Orchestra include a harmonica player, an accordionist and vocalists. Duos and trios of violin, piano and bass were included in Concerts from time to time. The Orchestra is an excellent avenue of providing performing experience for new talent. The membership is not restricted to "Retired" persons and it grew in 2000 to 36, 40 in 2002 and 45 in 2008. Due to the rapidly escalating size the Orchestra now tries to restrict 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" and an oom-pah band recently. At the end of each year a "Concert for Family and Friends" ( being everyone ) is held. 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 flowed in.
By its nature the Orchestra is not a profit making group and donations enable it to maintain its library and other operating expenses.
The repertoire has included such favourites as : 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, excerpts from The Nutcracker Suite and Phantom of the Opera.
Playing members, Jim and Peter are arranging many excellent pieces and we have 2 external musicians also creating fresh, new arrangements.
Recently Ken Berris received the OAM, a complete surprise amidst his extensive 80th birthday celebrations !
In May 2008 the ARPA Orchestra had a triumphant return to Out Of The Square Matinees with mostly full houses and standing ovations.
On 23-11-08 the 25th Anniversary was celebrated with 2 Concerts at Rosefield Uniting Church. At 2pm the "Official" one included presentation of Life Memberships to 6 players and the 5pm "Take 2" just the music. A well received fun item was a famous violinist ( photo below ) in Adelaide for stadium concerts participating by playing Jealousy with the orchestra and then leading into the Strauss waltz, Voices of Spring.
On 25-10-09 the ARPA Orchestra Every Generation Festival Concert was presented at Pilgrim Uniting Church in Adelaide with a new look orchestra.
Click to listen to some music recorded live at Pilgrim UC : Waltz from Masquerade (3:38) and O Mio Babbino Caro (3:04) sung by our special guest, Grace Bawden.

Rehearsals are Thursdays from 10am to noon at Emmanuel Church, cnr Clark & Young Streets, Wayville.