Music students given unique opportunity to produce concerts for their peers!

An internationally renowned orchestra are being given the opportunity to work with a group of young musicians to make classical music more accessible to all.

The Sound Around Project will see the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra led by music students from Lowestoft Sixth Form College - ending with a unique series of concerts at the Marina Theatre.

The students, aged between 16 and 18, have chosen the repertoire for the two exclusive shows targeted at local schools and another relaxed concert - especially for families and children with additional needs.

The school performances will take place on Friday, March 23, with the relaxed concert to take place at 2.30pm on Saturday, March 24.

Sound Around is a large-scale audience-focused touring initiative, produced by Orchestras Live and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO).

The aim is to create more opportunities for young people across England, particularly children and young people with additional needs, engaging those who have had little or no access to live orchestral concert experiences with the world of orchestral music.

The relaxed concerts are designed to have a relaxed attitude to noise and movement, accessible to everyone, especially children and adults with autism, sensory and communication impairments or learning disabilities, as well as individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind or partially sighted.

Some notable pieces that will be played include Nimbus 2000 from Harry Potter, Shake It Off by Taylor Swift and Flight of the Bumblebee.

Cerys Chittenden, music student at Lowestoft Sixth Form College, said: “As someone who adores seeing the orchestra, this is the opportunity of a lifetime for me.

“I hope to gain new skills and experience things I would otherwise be unable to.”

Every aspect of an orchestral concert will be produced by the young people; from on-stage presentation of the show, script writing and editing, to managing technical backup including lighting, vision and sound mixing, and front of house and stage management.

Fraser Gordon, Principal Contrabassoon in the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, added: “The process has been very rewarding with the young producers on their way to putting together a magnificent experience.”

This concert features BSL interpretation and a supporting social story and at the end of the main concert, audience members will be invited to try out instruments, meet musicians and even learn how to conduct.

Orchestras Live Sound Around is presented in association with the RPO, Marina Theatre and Suffolk County Music Service and is supported by Strategic Touring Funds from Arts Council England.

Tickets will be £8 for adults and £4 for children, carers will be free.

To book, call the box office on 01502 533200 or CLICK HERE.