Two new pieces of orchestral music created by schools in South Leeds have been premiered by a professional symphony orchestra.
Photo credit throughout: Eliot Barley
New Connections is an innovative partnership between Leeds Conservatoire and Orchestras Live, where students benefit from training and real-world experience in orchestral community music making, working closely with the acclaimed Manchester Camerata.
The most recent project, supported by Leeds International Concert Season and ArtForms, united pupils from Hugh Gaitskell Primary School and Cockburn School, exploring the theme of Voyagers. Pupils from both schools met at Leeds Conservatoire on the concert day, where they spent an afternoon rehearsing together and experiencing the thrill of making music with a professional orchestra for the first time.
A highlight of the evening’s performance in The Venue, our 350-seat auditorium, was school children performing world premieres of their new music with the orchestra. Hugh Gaitskell Primary School joined for ‘Sail to Distant Shores’ whilst Cockburn School took to the stage for ‘Ages of The Evolution.’
Leanne Amos, Director of Music at Cockburn Multi Academy Trust, said, “It has been an amazing experience working on this project. The students have learned so much about how to work well as an ensemble, how to listen and share ideas and how to compose different parts. The students have been blown away by how small rhythmic or melodic ideas can be turned into whole pieces.
“They were particularly impressed when they saw all of their ideas notated in a score. There has been a real buzz around the department and school about this project with students asking questions or discussing what is next. This project has engaged Year 7 students who are quiet or struggle with school on a day to day basis and has given them something to be proud of.”
Kate McNulty, Headteacher at Hugh Gaitskell Primary School, said, “The New Connections project has been truly transformative for our pupils. Through composing and performing their own music to a live audience, our children have grown in confidence, creativity, and self-belief.
“They have enjoyed every single moment of this journey. We now see emerging young musicians who feel empowered and inspired. Our heartfelt thanks go to composer James Redwood, the exceptional Manchester Camerata, Orchestras Live and the talented students from Leeds Conservatoire for making this extraordinary experience possible and for bringing our Voyagers programme to life.”
The concert included an exciting collection of short pieces for families, performed by Manchester Camerata, including music from How to Train Your Dragon, West Side Story’s ‘Mambo’ and the theme from Pirates of the Caribbean.
Patsy Gilbert, Vice Principal at Leeds Conservatoire, added, “Many of the students we have studying with us at the conservatoire started their music journey in brilliant schools music programmes and with passionate, driven teachers who understood that music and creativity can be the key to unlocking their potential.
“This New Connections project is an extension of that, demonstrating professional ensembles and education can come together to create truly life changing experiences for young people. Not only in developing musical skills, but also developing self-expression, creativity and confidence – all things young people need more and more.”
