Orchestra Pro Anima
Orchestra Pro Anima (OPA), directed by Michael Bochmann, was launched in January 2017 and is formed of musicians who have performed together over a long period as members of the English String Orchestra. So, although OPA is new in name and status as an independent body, the players have a real affinity with one another, forged over time. They will generally play without a conductor, Michael being the director, and with the pieces being introduced by various players. This allows for spontaneity and creates a relaxed atmosphere and a feeling of oneness with the audience. Indeed, there is a strong emphasis on communication, whereby the audience feels part of the music-making experience. The orchestra name pro anima means ‘for the soul’, reflecting the desired impact of the music on the listener.
