Australian Chamber Orchestra

[Musician]

I have never seen the ACO play live, but they are coming to London next week and I have a ticket.

All the youtube videos I have seen of them playing are of them standing whilst playing (apart from the cellists)

Why do they play standing up?

[KeithW]

Lucky you!  I saw them many times when I lived in Australia, and in my view they are one of the best ensembles around. You'll have a great time. In answer to your question, the best reply is from their website: "In a nod to past traditions, only the cellists are seated – the resulting sense of energy and individuality is one of the most commented-upon elements of an ACO concert experience."

[Musician]

That does not really answer my question.   I wanted to know why the violinists stand whilst performing.   Other violinists in other orchestras sit down.

The ACO are playing Schubert and Dawn Upshaw is the soloist 

[Opus106]

That does not really answer my question.   I wanted to know why the violinists stand whilst performing.   Other violinists in other orchestras sit down.

That's part of the nodding business. To these gentlemen, perhaps.




And the ACO is not alone in this.

Take a look at and listen, if you so wish, to the Freiburg Baroque in this performance of the Third Brandenburg Concerto.

http://www.youtube.com/v/hZ9qWpa2rIg

[Brian]

I've seen three-quarters of the Pavel Haas Quartet play standing, as well. Actually, I've seen the PHQ live 5 times, and they were fully seated in four of the five, so it's not something they do every night.

[Sergeant Rock]

Take a look at and listen, if you wish, to the Freiburg Baroque in this performance of the Third Brandenburg Concerto.

The violins of the Cleveland Orchestra too (believe it or not) stood while playing that Bach Concerto (Nicholas McGegan conducting from the harpsichord) at Severance Hall a few years ago.

Sarge