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Sheffield International Concerts
The South Yorkshire sponsored 2007/08 Sheffield International Concert Series, which launches at a gala concert on 29th September, will include an educational programme for the first time, thanks to sponsorship from Sheffield success story The Wired Workplace. The “Wired for Sound” programme will include a variety of activities designed to encourage young people to broaden their horizons and explore classical music. It is particularly aimed at teenagers who are new to classical music or who have not attended a classical concert before.
Education Programme 2007-8
The education programme at Sheffield City Hall is a new initiative. The purpose is to take the music from the series to as wide a public as possible outside the city Hall, and to encourage a wider and more diverse audience in to the concerts. Nicola Benedetti, the 20 year-old violinist, BBC Young Musician of the Year 2004, and one of the finest young violinists on the international circuit, has agreed to act as patron to our education programme. Her residency in November 2007 will include visits to Sheffield schools and masterclasses at the Sheffield Music Academy.
The education programme
Prior to each of the 16 subscription concerts a workshop will be delivered for teenagers in the North Hall at Sheffield City Hall, between 6.15-7.00pm. The content of each workshop will be based on the repertoire for that evening’s concert. The participants in the workshops will be drawn from Sheffield schools, with the focus initially being on the two community arts colleges (Firths Park Community Arts College and High Storrs School). The workshops will be led by Elizabeth Roberts, a professional cellist and educationalist who is moving back to her home city of Sheffield. Liz will be supported by students from the Royal Northern College of Music and Sheffield University. The cost to participants will be £3.50, which includes the workshop, concert ticket and interval refreshments. Free entry for those in financial hardship, as identified by their school, will be offered.
Nicola Benedetti residency
Two concerts plus visits to schools and Sheffield Music Academy will bring media interest and a high public profile to the education work at the City Hall.
Freedom of the Soul
A series of workshops, led by Tabla player Bhupinder Singh Chaggar and involving South Asian musicians and members of the Hallé Orchestra, taking place in Firth Park Community Arts College in February-March 2008.The workshops will be used to develop a new work based on Stravinsky’s Firebird. The new work will be performed by the school children, South Asian musicians and members of the Hallé, directed by Bhupinder Singh Chaggar, as the first half of the Hallé concert on 15 March 2008.
Inset Days for Sheffield School Teachers
Delivered by the Hallé Director of Education, Steve Pickett, three inset days will be hosted by Sheffield Arts Education and Sheffield City Hall. Free tickets to one Hallé concert willl be offered to all participants.
Musicians on Call
Members of the Hallé will visit rest homes in Sheffield to give performances to elderly residents who are unable to attend the City Hall. Free concert tickets will be offered to the staff and families of the residents.
Pre concert talks
Every concert has a half hour talk, hosted by local broadcaster Trisha Cooper and featuring an artist form the evening’s concert.
Downloads
Wired For Sound workshop guide
