The
Orchestra
Games
The Orchestra Games continues to be programmed again and again by many orchestras.
And not just during olympic years!
It’s the ultimate “get to know the instruments” work because it goes beyond basic descriptions by exploring the personalities of the instruments. Even their strengths and weaknesses. And does so while sprinting through an Olympic array of events.
The work begins with a ceremonial introduction of the players and proceeds to various events such as the low note limbo, the fast note dash, the marathon, and many others. These events demonstrate the capabilities of orchestral instruments while keeping the audience happily engaged in friendly competition.
The Orchestra Games was commissioned and premiered by Marin Alsop as part of the 1995 Cabrillo Music Festival.
Orchestration: 3(pic),2,2,2 4,3,3,1 Timp + 2, Harp, Strings, Narrator*
Timing: 27 minutes (length adaptable)
*sports celebrities, announcers, community figures, etc, have often been used as narrators.