Reposted from the website of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra LINK
This autumn, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra’s (RPO) community and
education programme RPO Resound has been building on its thriving
relationship with Brent Music Service (BMS) and today marks the
culmination of this very special collaboration. Brent is The Mayor’s
London Borough of Culture for 2020 and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
has been working in partnership with BMS, award-winning composer and
music leader James Redwood, the poet Momtaza Mehri and more than 8,000
Brent school children and young members of BMS orchestras to compose and
perform Anthem for Brent 2020.
Young people from Brent have been involved in the anthem-writing
process throughout 2020, and, for the final stage of the creative
process, a further 15 young creatives (aged 10-18) and 8 choir members
took part in digital workshops (October-December), collaborating with
professional composer James Redwood and nine musicians from the Royal
Philharmonic Orchestra. The participants wrote lyrics, composed melodies
and music, worked with a film director to create an accompanying film,
and recorded themselves singing and performing alongside world-class
professionals.
A video of the Anthem for Brent 2020 will soon be available to view on this page and on the RPO YouTube Channel.
You can also view or download the lyrics to the 2020 Anthem here.
This project was generously supported by John Lyon’s Charity, and Brent 2020, London Borough of Culture.
Here is some feedback from parents of some of the young participants.
As a participant’s mum, I’d like to express my thanks to you all
for everything you have done to encourage my son to have a go at the
tasks during the writing workshop over the last four days.
"When my son realised he had been selected to participate in this
workshop he was very excited. He couldn’t quite believe it. However, he
did feel a little scared because he has never done anything like this
before. Thanks a lot for being so lovely to him and for making him feel
confident and comfortable to express his thoughts. I think he may be the
youngest participant but he never felt left out. I appreciate there are
a lot of talented youngsters in the session however you guys and girls
made sure everyone was included regardless of musical talent or
ability."
"My son says he has learnt a lot. The following I quote from
when I asked him about the sessions........”My English is going to be so
much better when I go back to school & I know more about music now
too. I’m very thankful that I was chosen because it has inspired me to
continue to try my best with music as it will all help me to be a
musician when I’m older. The “teachers” are so good.”
"My son thinks you are all amazing. He loves music, he sings with
a Choir and was learning to play the violin & had a few piano
lessons prior to our national lockdown in March. Unfortunately, the
instrumental lessons haven’t resumed yet but he enjoys his weekly choir
zoom call. He keeps telling us he will be a musician when he is older.
Therefore having the opportunity to work with and listen to such
talented individuals is inspiring and an experience he will never
forget. He was fascinated by how quickly everything came together this
week. [The Workshop Leader] James made a lasting impression on my son.
“oh my, how does he do that?” was a phrase I’ve heard a lot of over the
last few days."
We have some feedback from young participants too:
"A quick note to say that, I found the experience of creating the
anthem highly enjoyable and enriching. I was glad to be selected to
take part in this unique opportunity.
It is a privilege to work on a project with high calibre
musicians from the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Brent Music Service.
Thank you, James, Rupert, Sophie, Gerald, Orli and Tim. I look forward
to finishing off the project." Male participant.
"Thank you for the once in a lifetime opportunity to work with
the RPO musicians and for allowing me to write music for the Brent
Anthem." Female participant/Sister.
"Thank you all RPO musicians for coming to assist us and create the first anthem for Brent." Male participant/Brother.
