Madeleine Mitchell – Artistic Director of the Red Violin Festival
Do you play the violin?
Have you just started to learn the violin?
Do you have a violin gathering dust that you haven’t played for years?
Would you like to be part of a unique and exciting music experience with one hundred other violinists?
Be part of an unforgettable violin Flash Mob featuring one hundred violinists of all ages and abilities alongside internationally renowned violinist Madeleine Mitchell to surprise and delight shoppers at Trinity Leeds.
Leeds Conservatoire, a leading specialist conservatoire offering higher education across music and the performing arts, has teamed up with The Red Violin festival, an innovative festival that celebrates the violin across the arts, invites you to take part in a unique and memorable musical experience.
We are looking for violinists of all ages and abilities to be involved in the flash mob, which will take place on Saturday 19 October. The day will start with a rehearsal at Leeds Conservatoire, with the pop-up performances happening over lunchtime at Trinity Leeds. A special, multi-violin piece titled The Folk of the Red Planet has been written for the occasion by Leeds Conservatoire graduate James Gerrard.
The Folk of the Red Planet is a quirky and fun piece. James describes it as “something you might hear at a barn dance on Mars when the Martians let their hair down (if they have any)!” It has been inspired by the opening of Gustav Holst’s The Planets with influences of the B52’s Planet Claire and the well-known advert for Cadbury’s Smash from the 1970s!
Helen Harrison – Conductor
The piece is made up of five parts of varying difficulties, ranging from absolute beginners to advanced players, so there is a part for everybody. The performance will be led by Helen Harrison, recognised as one of the leading conductors in the country for her work with young people and emerging musicians.
Upon signing up to take part, you will receive a copy of your music alongside a tutorial video so that you can prepare for the performance at home or with your teacher. On the day, you will take part in a rehearsal at Leeds Conservatoire, where you will work with Helen and the other violinists to put the performance together. The flash mob will take place over lunchtime at Trinity Leeds delighting unsuspecting passers-by with the ultimate musical surprise.
Key Information
Date: Saturday 19 October 2024
Time: 9:15am to 1pm (with breaks)
Venue: 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.
One HundRED Violins in partnership with The Red Violin Festival
