A new manifesto for orchestras is being backed by a group of the worlds leading orchestral conductors. Described as an alliance without precedent, Building on Excellence: Orchestras for the 21st century was launched by eight leading orchestras, with the aim of bringing live classical music to every schoolchild in Britain free of charge over the next ten years.
The project also plans to establish a new high-profile Turner-style prize for classical music aimed at celebrating innovation and excellence in British music. In a joint statement, the conductors, Marin Alsop, Sakari Oramo, Vladimir Jurowski, Valery Gergiev, Christoph Dohnanyi, Vasily Petrenko, Daniele Gatti and Mark Elder backed the manifesto, said, This unique collaboration is a manifestation of our orchestras energy and determination to reach out and invite new generations to appreciate the power of performance, and experience at first hand the value of great symphonic music. The plans have been developed by eight of Englands top symphony orchestras the Bournemouth Symphony, the City of Birmingham Symphony, the London Philharmonic, the London Symphony, the Philharmonia, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, the Royal Philharmonic, and the Hallé and are said to reflect their growth in audience numbers, an influx of new talent and business partnerships following new funding at the turn of the century. Speaking on behalf of the group Stephen Maddock, Chief Executive of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, said, Orchestras work both in the concert hall, in the UK and abroad, and in reaching out to communities is already realised on a huge scale. And we want to do a lot more. Amongst its aims, the new project also intends to double the number of people involved in community music-making, and to support UK trade missions abroad with orchestral cultural missions.
Published: 07-05-2007