Education ViVA

Seasons
Tuesday 6th March 2007
Assembly Rooms, Derby

"I felt that the mix and range of styles was a truly vibrant combination. " - Jackie Walduck, music leader

Spring brought unique new musical life this year as the exciting pinnacle of an ingenious project between sinfonia ViVA, sensational Indian violinist Kala Ramnath and keen young musicians from the Derby area was reached.

"Let's not underestimate the talent of these young performers. They bring in raw talent and an enthusiasm to do well and prove their worth which added immensely to the success of this project. " - Kala Ramnath

Seasons was both the title of and the inspiration behind this exploration of traditional Indian music intermixed with Western Classical styles, and on 6th March the audience at the Assembly Rooms, Derby got to hear the impressive result. Included in the programme were examples of the musical heritages of east and west as well as an entirely new composition which tantalisingly wove a new musical fabric from the two musical styles.

"The educational second half was really satisfying both musically in its own right and as an excellent opportunity for the students. " - Ian Burton, Nottingham City Council

During February 2007, Jackie Walduck led approximately 80 students from Noel Baker Community School, Alvaston Junior Community School, Derby College and the University of Derby, in workshops to explore the idea of Seasons. The students at each venue worked closely with a sinfonia ViVA musician and a Classical Indian musician as well as Jackie to create their own section of the Seasons piece.

"They all gained the opportunity to encounter classical and Indian creative/performance practices in a totally supportive environment. " - Jackie Walduck, music leader

During the workshops the students and musicians drew upon their own musical styles and influences and the result was a piece incorporating a wide range of styles in a truly diverse way.

"There were differences in styles of music for each group, which is a credit to all the adults involved to have used the material from the participants alongside the Indian music foundation. " - Musician

The culmination performance began with a performance of Piazzolla's Four Seasons of Buenos Aires which was interweaved with seasonal pieces especially composed for the performance by Kala Ramnath and David Murphy, who also conducted the performance. sinfonia ViVA were joined by Balu Raguraman (violin), Jyotsna Srikanth (violin) and Sarvar Sabri (tabla) as well as Kala Ramnath for the workshops and final performance. The second half of the performance featured all 80 participants performing the premiere of the new Seasons piece alongside sinfonia ViVA, Kala Ramnath and the other Indian musicians.

"Having the free will to make the music ourselves and perform it and for it to have been something we made! " - Participant

This seasonal sensation of a project would not have been possible without the generous support of Rolls-Royce plc, Derby City Council and Orchestras Live. sinfonia ViVA receives funding from Arts Council England and Derby City Council. The project was in collaboration with DARBAR South Asian Music, Arts and Dance.

Visit the Orchestras Live website for a review of this project (note - opens external link), and read Mike Wheeler's review in our News and Reviews section.

Images from the project...