From Peter Bolton, Programmer of Nottingham Classics and Founder of Ovation Partners
It was excellent to read in AP issue 145 (7 May) that the English orchestras want to bring orchestral music to every child in Britain. Our recent experience in Nottingham backs up what has been known for a long time, which is that when the finest musicians play the best music to young people in fantastic surroundings they respond very positively. My love of orchestral music stems from positive experiences of hearing it as a child and so when I took on the role of programmer of Nottingham Classics two years ago I was determined to put on a concert that would give young people a chance to hear our resident orchestra, the Hallé, at a stage in their lives when their ears and minds are open. Our simple aim was rewarded by an audience of 2,000 children from all over the City and County listening to, and taking part in a concert that was brilliantly performed and presented by the Hallé. We were overwhelmed by the response and have since been bowled over by the letters and emails of thanks from the schools. Our target of 1,000 audience members for our first attempt was massively exceeded and we now plan to make this an annual event. These simple initiatives can often have a profound impact on young people and I wish the orchestras every success.
Published: 21-05-2007