London, Feb 01: A symphony of motorbikes was gathered together in London by Bennetts the insurers to audition for the first symphony orchestra to be made up of motorbikes.
They hope also it will promote road safety, with 6000 motor cyclists either killed or seriously injured on Britain's roads every year.
They had brought together a renowned composer and a Superbike Champion to launch the auditions.
First the tune up; Ducatti , Triumph and Honda among those represented. The composer needs eight bike to go with the brass and percussion he'll be using for his unique concerto.
"The motorbikes: I am hoping to have some that are very high like the violins in the orchestra and some that are very low that are the double basses. So that the small bike, like maybe the little 50 cc moped would be the upper range, and a big Harley or Ducatti in the lower range, like the double basses. So I want the full spectrum of the sonic experience to be in this piece." : Stephen Montague, composer/conductor Bennetts Bike Orchestra.
Shades of Grieg and the national anthem may be in the concerto and anyone can audition with a video via the website.
"They will all come on the stage in all- weather gear and when they take the gear off it will reveal white tie and tales , so they will be all dressed in formal concert gear to perform this bike concerto.": Stephen Montague.
"I have never even thought of one similarity between piano playing and motorcycling. All I know it is a nice contrast to have. When I go over 200mph on a motorbike and then I can go and relax on a piano it is quite a nice thing to have." : James Toseland, 2004 World Superbike Champion.
This was just a first rehearsal before the full concert in two month's time.
Bureau Report
First Published: Thursday, February 01, 2007, 00:00