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How Early Music Live! works
“It's one of the most exciting musical projects I have ever done!” Tomasz Pokrzywinski, Cellist, The Little Baroque Company and The Watu [2007 Early Music Live! participant]
The main elements of Early Music Live! will run from mid September till mid November 2008. The programme will include:
- a shared concert opportunity for each ensemble.
“There was such a fantastic atmosphere and I can honestly say I've enjoyed few concerts more… It also gave me a wonderful sense of freedom which was extremely refreshing, and reminded me just why I'm doing what I'm doing.” Hilary Michael, violinist with the ensemble Acis [2007 Early Music Live! participant]
- a chance for each ensemble to devise and deliver a workshop programme in schools and/or the community.
- practical master class/workshop sessions with top professional musicians - in 2007 these included Angus Smith of internationally renowned medieval ensemble The Orlando Consort and international recorder player and teacher Evelyn Nallen.The practical workshop session leaders will be engaged following the auditions so that we can focus their areas of expertise around the range of ensembles we select from the auditions.
- As well as the early music ensembles selected, the Early Music Live! scheme provides an opportunity for musicians to work with musicians from other genres. In 2007 participants had the opportunity to explore links with young jazz musicians. In 2008 the focus is folk music, which ties in with the 2008 festival theme These Fairest Isles: Early and Traditional Music from the British Isles and Ireland. The crossover workshops were a feature which the 2007 pilot participants found particularly helpful in freeing their playing:
“The encouragement to use non-traditional performance practices was absolutely vital to today’s emerging musician. It is so rewarding to be supported in something like this.” Jennifer Barron, with viol consort Chelys [2007 Early Music Live! participant] “The session we had with Angus Smith and Mark Lockheart has really revolutionised the way we plan to work together.” Greg Skidmore, baritone with the 1607 Ensemble [2007 Early Music Live! participant]
- a training day on how to devise and deliver an education workshop, including a live demonstration in a school with one of the 2007 Early Music Live! ensembles. The education training sessions will again be led by recorder players Louise Bradbury and Annabel Knight of Passcaglia and Fontanella and Peter Walker, Primary Music Adviser at Brighton & Hove Music Service;
“[the training session] will be the basis for any further education and outreach we do. We will remember what we were taught and start from that always”.Greg Skidmore, baritone, The 1607 Ensemble [2007 Early Music Live! participant]
- mentoring support from musicians from two ensembles who took part on the 2007 scheme – The Little Baroque Company and The 1607 Ensemble
- one to one surgery sessions on how to improve the ensemble’s publicity materials and how to develop a relationship with a promoter.These sessions will be led by the Festival’s Co-Artistic Directors, Clare Norburn and Deborah Roberts who come from singing backgrounds, having performed with The Tallis Scholars, Mediva & Musica Secreta.They are therefore well placed to understand the needs of both promoters and performers.
“The insight into promoters' needs was crucial. There was a lot of very good advice on this.” Camilla Scarlett, violinist, Acis [2007 Early Music Live! participant]
Each of the 2008 ensembles will be encouraged to submit a concert and education proposal for the 2009 festival and we will choose some of the most creative ideas. The 2008 festival therefore includes two show case performances by outstanding ensembles who took part in the 2007 scheme - The Little Baroque Company and The 1607 Ensemble.
By inviting these ensembles back to the festival, the festival can more effectively promote them to other promoters and the public. At the same time, the musicians will also be asked to support and share their perspective on the scheme with the 2008 participants, thus ensuring that the 2008 participants get the most out of the opportunity.
“[It was an] invaluable experience, great people committed to helping young professionals find their feet…”! Christopher Bucknall, harpsichordist with Acis [2007 Early Music Live! participant]
The festival has an impressive track record of providing deep-rooted support for young musicians. Prior to the Early Music Live! scheme we had supported a number of ensembles, including The Maresienne Consort and Eclipse in getting their first Radio 3 interview and broadcast. We have many provided ensembles with their first experience of devising and implementing outreach performances. 2007 Early Music Live! participants had the opportunity to take part in two Radio 3 interviews, two local radio interviews and a number of press interviews for pieces in the local and music press.
“The festival was a truly positive experience. The exposure on BBC Radio 3’s 'In tune' made a big difference to our ability to attract the attention of other promoters.”
Layil Barr, recorder, Eclipse Brighton Early Music Festival is grateful to The Foyle Foundation, The Fenton Arts Trust and The Angus Allnatt Charitable Foundation, who are funding the 2008 Early Music Live scheme.
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