Music Project Celebrates Famous Works by Roald Dahl

Derby-based regional orchestra Sinfonia Viva has launched an innovative music-making education residency which celebrates the work of celebrated author Roald Dahl who was educated at Repton School.
About 100 young people from Becket and Firs Estate primary schools, St Benedict Catholic Academy and Derby College will join the project in the New Year entitled ‘Marvellous Musical Medicine’ – a take on Dahl’s book ‘George’s Marvellous Medicine.
They will work with professional musicians from Sinfonia Viva to compose their own music and songs which they will then perform at a concert at Derby Theatre on January 26.  Music Technology students at Derby College will also create contemporary, electronic soundscapes with passages from some of Dahl’s famous works.
Viva Education Manager Marianne Barraclough explained: “Viva has a national reputation for education work and each year we choose a different theme for our Derby residency.
“In the past themes have ranged from historical figures such as Bess of Hardwick and Florence Nightingale to eras in history such as the First World War, the Industrial Revolution and the 1980’s Miner’s Strike.
“This year, we wanted to focus on the 100th anniversary of the birth of Roald Dahl who had local connections through attending Repton School.
“His work is so diverse from children’s rhymes and poems to books for adults so it is perfect to inspire young people from a wide age range of seven to 19 at the schools and the College involved in the project.
“Early in the New Year, we will be working with the schools to choose the stories that they want to focus on and they will then work with our composer Jack Ross and a team of Viva musicians to create their own songs and music for the final performance.
“As in previous years, we are looking forward to embracing the creativity and imagination of these young people which leads to a high quality and very enjoyable final performance.”
Becket Primary School Head Teacher Sue James added: “Becket Primary School has a tradition of working in partnership with Sinfonia Viva.
“Each year the children look forward to working with professional musicians and other students to create a memorable experience.
“This year is no exception. Not only will they be learning more about the life and work of Roald Dahl but also developing their self-discipline and team work skills as they take part in this creative process. We can’t wait to see what they will achieve this year.”
Charlotte Moore, Music Coordinator at Firs Estate Primary School continued: “We are thrilled to be part of a project which will enable the children to develop their music skills to a whole new level.”
‘Marvellous Musical Medicine’ is presented in association with Derby Theatre and supported by Rolls-Royce plc, Derby City Council, Orchestras Live, Tom Carey Fund and Foundation Derbyshire, Sinfonia Viva is supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.

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