News and Reviews

News: Viva Choral Advisor Shortlisted For National Industry Award
24 Sept 2010

Sinfonia Viva orchestra's long-standing choral adviser David Lawrence has been shortlisted for special recognition in the national Gramophone Awards 2010. He has been shortlisted for the prestigious Gramophone magazine's Music in the Community award which was announced today (Friday September 24) alongside four other candidates and will now be decided on the results of an online vote by visiting www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/arts [external link - subscription required]. The online vote closes at midnight on Tuesday September 28 and the winner will be announced on Friday October 1.

David has worked with tens of thousands of Derby and Derbyshire school pupils over the past 12 years as part of Viva's extensive education programme – helping them develop their music skills through workshops and then performing live alongside professional musicians in public concerts.

David Lawrence said today: "I'm thrilled to have been nominated for this award as my community music making has always been central to what I do. I have worked internationally but the most outstanding and visionary projects I have led during my career have been with Sinfonia Viva with whom I am lucky to have been associated with for 12 years."

He concluded: "Viva leads the field nationally in education and community work as it is a central part of the Orchestra's heart and this is a commitment that is shared by management and players alike."

Viva Education Manager Marianne Barraclough explained: "David has inspired a great many young people to find enjoyment in singing by nurturing their musical talents and giving them the skills and confidence to be able to perform in public."

She continued: "Although he has worked with us on education projects throughout the East Midlands, he is particularly well known in Derby and Derbyshire where, on average, 1300 children a year are involved in our Spring and Summer education residency projects including this year's Floratorio to celebrate the centenary of the death of Florence Nightingale. We have therefore contacted all the schools about David's achievement in being shortlisted for this prestigious award and I hope that the teachers, children and their families will get behind this and vote for him."

"David richly deserves this award and it would also be wonderful recognition for the work that the Orchestra does to introduce young people to classical music in a fun and interactive way and hopefully inspire them to further their musical talents in the future."

Catherine Drakely, a teacher at St Werburgh's Primary School added: "We worked with David on Floratorio last school year. He really motivated and inspired the children through a variety of different games and activities. The end concert was amazing - the performance was incredible and children were extremely proud of themselves. I have had so many positive comments from parents, and will definitely be voting for him to win this award."

Visit You Tube to see the video of the Young Voices project involving David Lawrence [external link].

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