Inspiring creativity in youth
LONDON ~ OTTAWA
ConneXXions 2014
Royal College of Music, October 28, 2014Youth orchestras in London and Ottawa connected via high definition video conference for a WWI-themed creative musical exchange. Students had been exploring the music of the Great War and had created their own compositions which they performed live for each other as part of this project. Featuring Dame Evelyn Glennie. In partnership with the Royal College of Music and the Royal Philharmonic’s First World War “Behind the Lines” program.
Watch the video: 2014 ConneXXions webcast
BRISTOL
“Soundtrack” creation project
In this intergenerational project, eight young composers will be mentored as they create new works inspired by the musical memories and experiences of veterans. Each piece will reflect six months of dialogue and discovery between an elderly person and their “soundtrack” composer. Led by Bristol musician Jonathan James in partnership with St. Monica Trust, with composer John Estacio.
Watch the video: Soundtrack: a music creation project
GLASGOW
“Inspire Day” creation project
Riverside Museum, October 24, 2014Over 100 elementary school students spent an afternoon with members of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and the NAC Orchestra to learn more about the First World War. In this creative workshop, students heard live music inspired by WWI and responded by drawing and playing musical instruments. In partnership with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra at the Riverside Museum
Watch the video: Inspire Day creation project
“I am delighted to be supporting the education and outreach work of Canada’s NAC Orchestra on their UK tour, encouraging the making and the loving of music. Live music is the perfect bridge between different cultures and backgrounds for people of all ages. It’s vital that young people be inspired to learn, to dream, to be part of a team and to have fun, while they’re at it.” Dasha Shenkman, Education Partner
Workshops & masterclasses
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NOTTINGHAM
Strive for the best, keys to success
Nottingham Royal Concert Hall, October 25, 2014, 13:00 GMTNAC Orchestra musicians led this practical workshop with young musicians and teaching artists at the Royal Concert Hall. Young high school students who play strings, brass, winds, and percussion instruments were invited to take part in instrumental clinics on technique and ask questions of the musicians.
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GLASGOW
Big Noise Scotland
NAC Orchestra members led string, brass and wind sectional rehearsals with students from two Sistema Scotland orchestras: Big Noise Raploch and Big Noise Govanhill. NAC Orchestra musicians provided technical instruction and worked with the students on pieces the youth orchestras will be performing in the near future.
Watch the video: Big Noise Scotland: music making that fosters confidence and pride
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LONDON
Masterclass with Pinchas Zukerman
October 28th, 2014Pinchas Zukerman led a public violin/viola masterclass with three extraordinary young artists at The Royal College of Music in London. One of these young artists participated in the NAC’s Summer Music Institute this past June, and played in the orchestra as part of the UK Tour’s London concert.
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GLASGOW ~ LONDON ~ BRISTOL
Other masterclasses and workshops
Three NAC Orchestra musicians provided instruction to selected students or ensembles in masterclasses in Glasgow, London and Bristol.
NAC Award composer John Estacio led a one-hour composition workshop with young composers at the Nottingham Royal Concert Hall, and offered a composition lecture to students in Glasgow.
“The work of Maestro Zukerman and the Orchestra, both on- and off-stage, will go far in strengthening these bonds. We are delighted that this tour involves school children and young musicians in special performances, masterclasses, composition workshops and cultural exchanges.” The Honourable Hilary M. Weston, C.M., O.Ont
Mr. M. Galen Weston, O.C., O.Ont, Chairman and president, The W. Garfield Weston Foundation
Lectures & readings
SALISBURY
Margaret MacMillan: The Great War and Canada
October 29, 2014Professor Margaret MacMillan, O.C., one of Canada’s finest scholars and authors, gave a lecture on the relationship between Britain and Canada in the years leading up to 1919 – the year many scholars regard as the moment Canada came of age as a nation. Ms. MacMillan’s most recent bestseller is The War that Ended Peace: The Road to 1914.
SALISBURY
Winnie the Pooh: Reading for families
October 29, 2014, 10:30, 11:00, 11:30, 12:00 GMTFamilies were invited to attend special readings of the Winnie the Pooh stories by the staff of the Education Department at Salisbury Cathedral. Visitors learned about the famous Canadian bear that inspired the stories and its strong connection with the Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire.
EDINBURGH ~ NOTTINGHAM ~ BRISTOL
Composer lectures
Prior to most NAC Orchestra evening concerts, Canadian composer John Estacio spoke to the audience about his work Brio: Toccata and Fantasy for Orchestra among the rest of the evening’s repertoire. Mr. Estacio also engaged the audience in a question and answer format.
Watch the video: A new world premiere by composer John Estacio
