Touring a concert for young children to rural areas

Summary

The annual tour of Lullaby Concerts, in autumn 2012, was the most ambitious since Orchestras Live initiated its long-term programme of Early Years orchestral activity in 2003.

Produced by Orchestras Live (OL) and City of London Sinfonia (CLS) in partnership with six separate local authorities, a programme of creative workshops, training sessions and public concerts was held across Suffolk and north east Essex. As in previous years, the essence of the project was about bringing inspirational first experiences of live orchestral music to young children, parents and carers, particularly in underserved rural areas, whilst developing the skills of Early Years practitioners and parents to encourage the sustained use of music as a means of learning and play.

Between 24th September and 10th November 2012 the following activity took place:

• A total of 45 workshops were held at 15 nursery settings in 5 districts, involving 310 children, 58 practitioners and 10 parents
• 44 Early Years practitioners took part in 3 music training days about using creative music techniques with young children
• 10 Lullaby Concerts were performed by City of London Sinfonia over 5 days, attended by 1,263 children and adults

The project had very positive outcomes. Some 1,685 people engaged with the project as participants or audiences. The response at all events was extremely positive, and the partners plan to further develop the project in 2013.

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