Headlines
Cliff Woollard, Michael Bochmann, Helena Cavan and Aryan Arji
Musicians Join Forces to Plant Seeds for the Future
14th October 2011
The English Symphony Orchestra (ESO), Hereford Sixth Form College and the Herefordshire Music Service have joined forces in an exciting project entitled Hereford Fantasia. This event will bring together the ESO, music scholars from Hereford Sixth Form College and pupils from local primary and secondary schools in
Hereford Cathedral in an exciting evening of English Music at 7.30pm on Friday 4th November, 2011.
Hereford Cathedral in an exciting evening of English Music at 7.30pm on Friday 4th November, 2011.
Jonathan Godfrey, Principal of Hereford Sixth Form College said, ‘The government has recently announced changes to the way it wishes to see music education delivered, following the publication of a review it commissioned from Darren Henley, Chief Executive of Classic FM. It proposes the establishment of collaborative groups based around the existing local authority music services which would bring together professionals, amateurs and music teachers. This concert exemplifies these aims and will provide an exciting opportunity for students of all ages to play with and learn from expert players. We hope the event will launch the new ‘National Music Strategy’ and Darren Henley has been invited to attend’.
The concert will also see the establishment of a new charity - ‘The Herefordshire Music Fund’, the aim of which is to provide financial support for students of any age to receive instrumental or vocal tuition who otherwise could not afford to do so. Sixth Form College Director of Music, Aryan Arji who first proposed the charity, said, ‘The College’s music scholarship scheme has enabled a large number of very talented musicians to receive expert tuition and to perform to an exceptional standard which will be demonstrated in this concert. For younger students to be able to progress to the courses we offer and to careers in music, success in Associated Board practical and theory exams is essential. At a time when cuts are being made in financial support for music it is vital that enthusiastic young musicians do not miss opportunities as a result of their circumstances.’
A highlight of the concert will be a performance of Vaughan Williams’ ‘Lark Ascending’ by Michael Bochmann, internationally renowned violinist and leader of the ESO. Michael commented, ‘I was greatly impressed by the Sixth Form College’s scholarship scheme and the results it produced. The ESO has an outstanding record of working with young players and we are delighted to be collaborating in this concert. It will be a fantastic event for performers and audience alike, an excellent way to launch further collaboration between musicians of all ages and standards and to establish the Herefordshire Music Fund.’
The concert will also feature the world premiere of a work for soprano, chorus and orchestra by Helena Cavan, Associate Composer of the ESO. Helena said, ’I wanted to write a piece reflecting the experience and issues facing young people today. The ‘Song of the Millennials’ sets to music words written by Hereford Sixth Form College students about the impact, both positive and negative, of new communication technology such as mobile phones and the Internet. The work includes music for all those involved, from primary age to the professionals.
I am delighted to be involved in launching the new charity which was inspired by the 18th century, now legendary figure, Johnny Appleseed who planted gifts of apple seeds from Herefordshire across the American Frontier, enabling orchards to be established across the United States from which emerging pioneers were able to profit. Those who donate to the fund are effectively planting musical seeds which will perpetuate music-making in Herefordshire for years to come.’
Tickets for the Fantasia Concert can be obtained from
the ESO box office 01386 791044