Two geologists swapped their picks for wind instruments and took up with the Darwin Symphony Orchestra (DSO) for a free community concert recently at Borroloola.
McArthur River Mine geologist, Daniel McIntyre has played trombone for 12 years and jumped at the chance to play with the travelling orchestra. He was joined by senior mine geologist Stephen Pevely, who has played clarinet with the DSO for years.
Daniel went straight from work to the Borroloola school grounds, where the concert was held, to tune up for the Saturday night entertainment.
‘It was great. I didn't know what to expect,’ Daniel said. ‘It went really well.’
An eclectic repertoire ranging from classical pieces to contemporary opera and Viennese waltzes entertained locals and tourists.
A rousing rendition of the Toreador's Song from Carmen got the audience clapping and singing, and brilliant fireworks exploded over Strauss's Thunder and Lightening Polka to finish off the evening.
Concert master and first violinist, Wilfred Lehinann impressed everyone with his delicate performance of Sarasate's Zigeunerweisen on a violin he had made himself.
It was the first time an orchestra had played at Borroloola and the locals loved it.
The $60,000 event was paid for by McArthur River Mine, and Airnorth donated flights for orchestra members, allowing free entry to the concert.
DSO artistic director, Martin Jarvis said it was a thrill to play at Borroloola as it was the DSO's philosophy to take music to the people.