Music Junction with the London Chamber Orchestra
Bancroft’s has embarked on an exciting musical project, “Music Junction” with the London Chamber Orchestra. This will involve some of our talented musicians working alongside professionals from the orchestra and mentoring emerging musicians from schools in Havering and Walthamstow.
The project was launched here on Friday 16 October when the Bancroftians were joined by members of Havering Music Academy and Bradfield College (who have been involved in a Music Junction project before). First of all they were treated to a “flash mob” performance of Beethoven’ “Ode to Joy”, which started with a solo cello, then, one by one, the other musicians strolled into the space and casually joined in, picking up the theme and their individual parts. The pupils were invited to join in, which some of them found a little daunting! Fears were quashed as the professionals offered advice and encouragement throughout the afternoon. The final performance certainly didn’t sound as if this was a new piece to most of those playing!
The pupils found it inspiring to work along the professionals and Bancroft’s musicians are now eagerly awaiting the next stage of the project; Matteo Mariano said,” I am looking forward introducing younger children to the viola and mentoring them.”
Working with professional musicians has been amazing as they can teach you so much in such little time! Since they are all so brilliant, just listening to them play was breathtaking.
Anika Mayor, L4 pupilLorem ipsum
The project runs through the year with LCO members working alongside pupils in group performing and composing, with a final showcase concert in the Cadogan Hall in May.
