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. About 10 to 15 Concerts were presented each year with programs consisting of light to classical favourites, popular and middle of the road music.
In 1996 it was known as The Variety Orchestra.
In 1999 we had 25 permanent players plus a few guests and the privilege to give the opportunity to Rae Cocking’s Conservatorium students to experience singing with an Orchestra. 1999 Samantha Rubenhold, 2000-2001 Shannon Widdison, 2002-2004 Kerry Wake-Dyster, 2005 Desiree Frahn. We have featured in many concerts the soprano, Jane Lautenschlager and / or Etiennette Fennell who also plays cello in the orchestra.
The Orchestra continues as an excellent avenue of providing performing experience.
From 2012 Conservatorium students are welcome to sit in as guests.
The membership is not restricted to “Retired” persons and it has grown to 45.
Due to the large size the Orchestra restricts performances to suitable sized venues.
By its nature the Orchestra is not a profit making group so membership fees and door profits enable it to pay rent, maintain its library and other operating expenses.
Ken Berris received the OAM in 2002 amidst his busy 80th birthday celebrations. In 2019 the Orchestra changed its name to the Cumberland Park Orchestra.
ARPA Orchestra Performance Highlights :
2004. Celebrated 20 Years of entertaining in the wide Community.
2005. 6 Concerts over 5 days for the OOTS ( Out Of The Square ) Matinee Series.
2008. 6 OOTS Matinees with mostly full houses and standing ovations.
2008. 25th Anniversary. Rosefield Uniting Church. 2pm “Official” & 5pm “Take 2”.
2009. Every Generation Festival Concert. Pilgrim Uniting Church with a new look.
2011. 30th Birthday Celebrations & Every Generation Festival at Flinders Baptist.
2011. Music Extravaganza to Celebrate International Volunteers Day at Flinders
Baptist with : Adelaide Alpine Horns, Adelaide Village Band, Grace Bawden.
2012. 5 OOTS Matinee Shows.
2012. Sebastian Phlox, Conservatorium Bachelor of Music student, became the Conductor.
2012. Every Generation Festival Concert. Clayton Wesley Uniting Church.
2012. Norwood Citadel. Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto #3 with soloist Nam Tran.
2013. From The Stage, Music, Images & Stories with projected images of Stars.
2013. 30th Anniversary. Beethoven Piano Concerto 1 in C with soloist Daniel Maltz.
2014. Classic Concert. Concordia College Chapel. Bruch Double Concerto in E Minor Op.88
with soloists Lester Wong / violin and Esther Cheah / viola.
2014. 7 “From The Stage” shows for OOTS.
2015. Classic Concert. Concordia at 7.30pm. Adults $10 Students/Children FREE
2016. Roland Dankbaar became the Conductor.
2016. Sunday 10th July @ 2.30pm. Bruch Concert. Church of the Trinity.
2016. Sunday 28th August @ 2.30pm. Focus On Brass. Cumberland Park Community Centre.
2016. Jakub Jankowski conducted while Roland was in Europe.
2016. Andrew Dean conducted as Roland & Jakub were not available.
2017. Sun 7th May @ 2.30pm. Pre-Mother’s Day Concert. Cumberland Pk Comm. Centre. $12
Program : Fanfare for the Common Man, English Folk Songs Suite, Schubert “Unfinished” Symphony #8, 1st Mvt, Fiddler on the Roof Overture, ABBA Medley ( Mamma Mia, SOS, Dancing Queen ), Miramichi Ballad, Maxglaner Zigeuner ( Gypsy ) March, Somewhere Out There.
2019. Renamed Cumberland Park Orchestra.
Rehearsals are Thursdays from 10am to noon :
. . . The only Adelaide Community Orchestra rehearsing on a week day.
. . . Cumberland Park Community Centre at 390 Goodwood Rd, Cumberland Park.
Vacancies exist for proficient musicians, particularly strings, any age.
Contact the Secretary, Ian Goldring
ARPA Orchestra Aims :
To provide the opportunity for like minded people to make music and enjoy fellowship.
To enhance our own capabilities and to share this with the wider community by giving public performances of rehearsed works.
Some music recorded live at Pilgrim UC in 2009 :
Waltz from Masquerade (3:38)
O Mio Babbino Caro (3:04) sung by Grace Bawden
Autumn Leaves & Cavatina (2:33)
