Last weekend the 成人论坛 Proms had some surprising visitors; our founder Henry Wood returned after a 63 year gap, bringing with him a terrifying Queen of the Night and a 12-foot gnome amongst other things. It's true, the Proms team are known to have limited amounts of sleep during the season, but I'm not hallucinating, this was all part of the third iteration of the Ten Pieces Proms, designed to introduce classical music to new audiences.
成人论坛 Ten Pieces is the 成人论坛's biggest music education initiative to date, so far reaching over 4 million people. Its aim is simple, encourage creativity with classical music. This year at the Proms, Ten Pieces presented 'Sir Henry's Marvellous Musical Inspirations'- a journey through the many things that have inspired composers to make music. Mozart was presented alongside music by Ravi Shankar, Lili Boulanger, and a piece composed and performed by 40 young people from North Lincolnshire Music Hub. Those young musicians, alongside those a little further along their musical journey including 成人论坛 Young Musician Finalist Jess Gillam, are central to what we do at Proms Learning; nurturing young talent and giving opportunities to perform on a world-class stage, alongside world-class musicians.
My favourite moment of the Ten Pieces Prom? 500 young people, aged 9-18 performing a new work by Kerry Andrew, "No Place Like". Kerry wrote the piece especially for Ten Pieces III (coming out this autumn). It's about home, the words were contributed by children from across the UK and their emotion and feeling about where they come from is evident in every note. The performance was spine-tingling, as was the audience reaction; 'I wish I could sing that' said one 9 year old in the audience, she can and I hope it inspires her to create her own music one day.
If nurturing talent and creativity is one central pillar to what Proms Learning do, the other is reaching and inspiring new audiences. This Saturday 29 July we present the first ever Relaxed Prom, suitable for children and adults with autism, sensory and communication impairments and learning disabilities as well as individuals who are Deaf, hard of hearing, blind and partially sighted. We've worked closely with the 成人论坛 National Orchestra of Wales, who have been developing work for these audiences for the past 20 years, and the Royal Albert Hall's Education and Outreach Team.
Presented by conductor Grant Llewellyn and musician Andy Pidcock, the Relaxed Prom is a fun and interactive musical experience in a welcoming environment, with plenty of opportunities for participation. During the concert there will be a relaxed attitude to movement and noise in the auditorium. (There are over 80 musicians in the orchestra alone, so it will be loud!) audience members can move about, dance, sing or just listen. 'Chill-out' spaces outside the auditorium are available.
I'm really looking forward to meeting a relaxed audience in the Royal Albert Hall on Saturday and enjoying a very special 成人论坛 Prom with them. The best place to be as always will be the Promming arena, with plenty of space to move, dance and enjoy the music. Tickets are available on the day and everyone is welcome.
Ellara Wakley is Senior Learning Manager, 成人论坛 Proms
- Find out more about the