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Orchestra celebrates 30 years of music diversity

BBC Symphony of the world at the Trinity Centre this is a picture of a band in rehearsal, with a guitarist, a violinist, a clarinet player and a cellist. BBC
The second performance will be at St George's in Bristol on 25 November

An orchestra is celebrating the "diversity and cultural joy" of Bristol with two performances marking 30 years of music.

Bristol Ensemble is also celebrating 15 years of its music education charity Preludes Music, with more than 100 children from three Bristol schools performing with them.

“We wanted to bring together styles and influences from across the world, and came up with Symphony of the World, working with city schools and musicians,” said Charlotte Dunling, project manager.

The orchestra has previously worked with the BBC Natural History Unit and Aardman Animation.

Three students involved in the project, wearing their school uniform and holding recorders as they rehearse for Symphony of the World with the Bristol Ensemble
School pupils said they enjoyed the experience of working with the musicians

It has also performed with world-class musicians including Dame Evelyn Glennie and Gabriel Prokofiev.

The Symphony of the World project involves Easton CE Academy, Redfield ET and St Nicholas of Tolentine Primary.

It has taken three months to put together, with musicians offering workshops in schools and the children composing their own individual movements.

Charlotte Dunling smiling, wearing a dark top in an auditorium
Ms Dunling said they were celebrating Bristol's "diversity and cultural joy" through music

Ms Dunling said “it’s been so wonderful” working with the schools.

She added: "For all of us musicians to see the creativity these children have, [with] such inspiring minds and they have shared inspiring ideas with us.”

Winston Edwards, a session musician and part of the Bristol Reggae Orchestra, said working with the children in school has been “exciting".

"You know kids, with their energy and their love for the music - it's been amazing and a great experience."

The Arts Council England, the Quartet Community Foundation and the Bristol Masons Charity are supporting the project.

Winston Edwards with a cymbal from his drum set, wearing a navy T-shirt
Winston Edwards said working with the school children has been "amazing and a great experience"

Ms Dunling said hearing the children perform brought tears to her eyes.

“That they have stepped up and that they’re on the stage and they’re confident to share their skills… [I just feel] overwhelming pride,” she added.

Student Keba said he was excited about the end of the shows when the parents will applaud "and then you won't feel nervous any more, you [will] feel happy".

Performances include additional music from the Bristol Reggae Orchestra, Troyka, and the ‘Concerto for Kora and Orchestra', with readings from local poet Malizah and the community poetry group.

The ensemble, which performed on the 18 November, has its second performance at St George’s concert hall, Bristol, on 25 November at 17:00 GMT.

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