Latin American Music Festival Sherborne
Artists 2017
Born In Cuba, Milly Riquelme studied at the prestigious National Institute of Music at the Havana where she specialised in jazz music. She has performed around the world as jazz musician with world class musicians such as Omar Puente and Buena Vista Social Club. She regularly performs at local venues in Sherborne such as Vida Comida and Bridport's No. 10 Cafe Bar. She is also a piano teacher and works at Leweston School and Sherborne Preparatory School.
Milly Riquelme, Jazz Pianist
Wessex Strings, made up of keen amateur, semi-amateurs and professional musicias was formed in 1997 under the baton of pianist Martin Walker. In 2004 Tony Urbainczyk, then head of strings at Sherborne Girls’ school, became leader. When in 2006, Martin Walker’s other commitments precluded him continuing as conductor, Tony took over and has conducted the orchestra until June 2013. He in turn has now handed on the baton to Venezuelan cellist Arturo Serna.
The repertoire of the orchestra extends from Baroque to 20th century and no doubt will soon include 21st century works. The orchestra often invites other instrumentalists and singers to perform with them, either as soloist or as part of the orchestra. We look forward to exploring South American music now that Arturo is to conduct the orchestra.
Wessex Strings gives three concerts a year. These have been performed in a variety of venues over the years but increasingly the majority are given in The Cheap Street church in Sherborne which is an intimate venue with an excellent acoustic. Most of the concerts are given to support charities. Our 2013/2014 season starts with a concert as part of the Sherborne Latin American Music Festival.
Wessex Strings
Resident Orchestra
Conductor: Arturo Serna
Arturo Serna, Cello
Venezuelan / British musician Arturo Serna holds a dynamic career as conductor, cellist and teacher in the area of Dorset and Somerset. He studied at El Sistema in Venezuela. He pursued further studies in France, Switzerland & the UK. Recent highlights as include concerts in Canada, South America and Europe. He is in great demand as cellist an chamber musician and future concerts include performing concertos with several local orchestras.
Arturo was appointed Musical Conductor of Wessex Strings in 2013 and after a year of tenure he was called to take on the conductorship of the Bridport Chamber Orchestra. From January 2014 he started conducting Allington Strings and was made chief conductor of the Axe Vale Orchestra after guest conducting the ensemble in their autumn concert last year. Arturo has guest conducted the Dorset County Orchestra and the Wincanton Youth Theatre. He has started studying a Masters in Orchestral conducting at the University of Surrey.