News and Reviews

News: Music Project Bridges Generation Gap
Feb 18 2010

Nearly 40 young and older people in Daventry district will be taking part in an innovative music project next month aimed a bridging the generation gap.

Members of the Daventry Youth Forum and Daventry Over Fifties Forum will work with professional musicians from East Midlands-based Sinfonia Viva orchestra to devise a piece of music which they will then perform as part of a public concert by Viva. Daventry District Council has organised the event, which takes place at the Saxon Suite in Daventry Leisure Centre on Thursday, February 18, from 7.00pm.

Councillor Alan Hills, Portfolio Holder for Community, Culture and Leisure at Daventry District Council, said: "Music is a common language whatever your age and we hope that this project will enable people of different ages to get to know each other and create their own piece of music for the enjoyment of the whole community. The project is called 'Identity', and is part of the Council's wider work to strengthen and empower communities in Daventry by bringing people of all ages closer together. I hope that everybody who takes part, whether as a budding musician or a member of the audience at the final performance, will be inspired by this project and have a good time."

Sinfonia Viva Artistic Director and Leader Benedict Holland, who is one of the musicians who will take part in 'Identity', explained that the Orchestra has a national reputation for involving local communities in music making. "The wonderful thing about music is that it speaks to everyone and it breaks down communication barriers whether down to age or cultural reasons. Although, as musicians, our backgrounds are in classical music, it is always fascinating to explore and include different musical tastes with people of all ages."

He continued: "We will all be working together to create an original piece of music and I wouldn't be at all surprised if modern styles end up sitting very comfortably alongside more traditional music in the final piece of music that we compose together and perform in public. The musicians are very much looking forward to getting to know the different people involved in this inter-generational project and to releasing their creativity in a relaxed and informal atmosphere."

To reserve your FREE tickets for this concert contact Della Butcher at Daventry District Council on 01327 871100 or email dbutcher@daventrydc.gov.uk

Media enquiries: Sarah Jenkin-Jones - Tel: 01332 515102/07951 945 665 sarah@jjpublicrelations.co.uk