Leeds Conservatoire and the Red Violin festival have teamed up to bring a fun, free of charge, musical experience to the city and invite violinists of all ages and abilities to join.
Violinists playing in The Venue at Leeds Conservatoire. Photo credit: Ian Hodgson
From absolute beginners to advanced players, all are welcome. On Saturday 19 October participants will form a flashmob, featuring one hundred violinists alongside internationally renowned classical soloist Madeleine Mitchell, to surprise shoppers at Trinity Leeds.
The day will start with a rehearsal in Leeds Conservatoire’s specialist facilities, followed by pop-up performances over lunchtime at the shopping centre in the heart of the city.
A quirky, multi-violin piece titled The Folk of the Red Planet has been specially written for the occasion by Leeds Conservatoire graduate James Gerrard, inspired by Gustav Holst’s orchestral suite The Planets with influences of The B-52s’ Planet Claire and the iconic 1970s Martian adverts for Cadbury’s Smash.
The piece is made up of five parts of varying difficulties so there is a part for everybody.
Caroline Hallam, Strategic Partnerships Manager at Leeds Conservatoire, said, “Leeds Conservatoire is delighted to be partnering with the Red Violin festival and a fantastic creative team to bring people across Leeds together for this exciting and unique performance. This collaboration is about opening doors to creative opportunities, delighting audiences with the unexpected and celebrating the vibrant, creative spirit of our city. Dig out your violins and get involved!”
Helen Harrison, recognised as one of the leading conductors in the country for her work with young people and emerging musicians, will be leading the performances. “The HundRED violin flashmob project is such a brilliant way to bring the joy of the Red Violin festival right into the heart of Leeds’ vibrant city centre for everyone to enjoy. The specially written piece gives The Red Planet violinists a chance to get involved and make music together – whether they’ve picked up the violin for the very first time or an extremely expert violinist. Personally speaking, I can’t wait to lead such a cool flashmob and my red shoes are at the ready,” Helen added.
Upon signing up online, participants will receive a copy of their music alongside a tutorial video so that they can prepare ahead of the performances.
Key Information
- Date: Saturday 19 October 2024
- Time: 9:15AM to 1:00PM (with breaks)
- Venues: Leeds Conservatoire (LS2 7PD) and Trinity Leeds (LS1 5AT)
- Cost: Free
Please note, under 18s will need to be accompanied by an adult for the performances.
Leeds Conservatoire and the Red Violin festival would like to thank the Leche Trust for their generous support of this project.
