What we've been up to: June 2025
NewsNews Story
Find out what we've been up to recently.
Hear and Now
Hear and Now, our annual intergenerational project co-produced with the Philharmonia in Bedford is progressing well, with a series of workshops taking place throughout June.
The usual mix of people living with dementia and their carers (Tibbs Dementia Foundation), young people from a diverse community choir (Fusion Youth Singing), and other young and adult musicians from the locality have been working with artistic director Tim Steiner, Philharmonia players, and guest artists from Ananda Arts who have brought the magic of Odissi dance to the creativity.
This year's themes include sporting and culinary achievements, and rules and regulations (and when to break them!), explored through songs and song-writing, musical improvisations, poetry, dance and movement.
It all culminates in a public performance at the end of June at the University of Bedfordshire Theatre in Bedford. There might even be some live baking on stage, accompanied by the Hear and Now ensemble!
Geoffrey gets the Jitters
Last month, we launched Geoffrey Gets the Jitters, a new Key Stage 1 schools project inspired by Nadia Shireen’s children’s book of the same name.
A vibrant concert tour to 15 primary schools across Peterborough brought the story to life earlier this Spring, featuring music co-written by Francesca Lobo and James Redwood, animated design by Victor Craven, set design by Ruth Paton, and stage direction by Hazel Gould.
Building on the momentum from the tour, June sees Britten Sinfonia musicians and Francesca Lobo leading creative music-making workshops in four primary schools. Around 120 Year 2 pupils will co-create an original piece of music, culminating in a joyful sharing event on 1 July where they will perform alongside the Britten Sinfonia, showcasing their creativity and unique musical ideas.
The project explores important themes such as anxiety, overcoming challenges, and the value of friendship and is delivered in partnership with Britten Sinfonia and Peterborough Music Hub.
Darlo Creates
Our latest project with Royal Northern Sinfonia and composer Michael Betteridge brought together two secondary schools in Darlington and Sedgefield.
They created a shared curtain raiser piece to perform for RNS’s concert at Darlington Hippodrome.
The artistic team, including teachers from Durham Music Service, enjoyed working with schools where passionate and dedicated secondary music teachers were successfully nurturing music and young musicians.
We had a wide range of young instrumentalists from both schools as part of the project ensemble. They got to work with the concert soloist, RNS lead trumpeter Adam Wood, who was brought up in the North East, to create solo trumpet material within their piece, alongside exploring a range of composition activities.