The Kids Grow Up: Docklands Sinfonia to Perform for the Queen!

They only started out in 2009 and The Greenwich Gazette has been there from day one to see them progress year after year. Now, they crown their hard work with a performance for the Queen at Buckingham Palace. Congrats and here's the press release:

Docklands Sinfonia is honoured to have been invited to perform for Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh in the Ballroom at Buckingham Palace this Monday, 9th May 2011.

The symphony orchestra will perform alongside distinguished artists – including world famous soprano Dame Kiri Te Kanawa - and rising stars at a reception to celebrate young talent in the British Performing Arts.

Docklands Sinfonia, which has been rated as one of London’s top 5 non-professional symphony orchestras, will be involved in a specially commissioned theatre performance which has been inspired by Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.

The performance, which has been produced by the English National Ballet in association with Dramatico Entertainment, will showcase distinguished artists and young people pursuing excellence in drama, dance and music.

It will present a light-hearted exploration of Shakespeare’s story and feature mentor artists such as Dame Kiri, Anne Reid MBE, Bryony Hannah and Amy Robbins, in addition to rising stars such as Tamsin Egerton, Daniel Kaluuya, Rumer and Alleviate.

Around 450 guests representing organisations and indivuals involved in the performing arts will attend the reception. They include representatives from organisations such as English National Ballet, the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and the National Youth Music Theatre.

Docklands Sinfonia’s involvement in the Buckingham Palace reception is the latest major achievement for the orchestra, which was only formed in January 2009 by musical director Spencer Down.

The orchestra has also just been invited to record at the BBC studios in Maida Vale later this month for BBC Radio 3’s ‘Light Fantastic’ celebration of British light orchestral music.

The young and dynamic symphony orchestra has already performed at the Royal Albert Hall with Grammy award-winning singer Imogen Heap, performed on BBC1 and held a number of sell-out concerts with major classical artists.

Docklands Sinfonia’s founder and musical director Spencer Down said: “It is a dream come true for Docklands Sinfonia to have been invited to perform for the Queen at Buckingham Palace.

“We are incredibly honoured to have been included in this fantastic celebration of young people in the British performing arts.”

DOCKLANDS SINFONIA

Docklands Sinfonia is a young and dynamic new symphony orchestra which aims to be a major cultural force in London’s dynamic Docklands. The orchestra is a unique blend of professional musicians, music students and talented amateurs – living and working in East London.

In June 2010, Docklands Sinfonia was rated as one of London’s top five non-professional orchestras by the respected industry magazine ‘Classical Music’. Since its formation in January 2009 by musical director Spencer Down, the orchestra has enjoyed incredible success. Just weeks after its first rehearsal, it was asked to perform on the BBC1 series ‘Clash’ and it has performed a number of sell-out concerts featuring major classical artists.

In November 2010, Docklands Sinfonia performed the world premiere of Grammy award winner Imogen Heap's 'Love The Earth' to a sell-out audience at the Royal Albert Hall.

World class soloists who have performed with the orchestra include cello virtuoso Leonard Elschenbroich, baroque soprano Elin Manahan Thomas, saxophonist Christian Forshaw, the Raven string quartet and LSO principal trumpet Philip Cobb.

The orchestra also has a strong track record of commissioning and showcasing new works by up and coming British composers including Andrew Keenan, Christian Forshaw, Mick Foster, Jeremy Holland-Smith, the Raven string quartet, Peter Meechan and Robert Davies.

Docklands Sinfonia is honoured to have Admiral Lord West as its patron. It rehearses on Wednesday nights from 7pm to 9:30pm at St Anne’s Church, Limehouse.

Celebrating Burns?

Five years after Robert Burns died, a group of his friends got together to remember him and his poetry. The tradition became established and now, every year on his birthday, 25th January, Scots all round the world celebrate Burns Night with a Burns Supper which follows a format similar to the original dinner (often with much toasting and drinking of whiskey!)

If you and your family would like to join the tradition, this website can help set you on your way:

http://www.rabbie-burns.com/ and one for the kids http://www.activityvillage.co.uk/burns_night_for_kids.htm

and of course http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burns_supper

No Pay, No Meridian Line!

I have friends coming over to visit good old Greenwich from Canada come this May half-term. About time too. I have been urging them to visit the town since I moved to this area (quite a long time ago) and they have finally agreed. Home to the Meridian Line and the place where all time started. A World Heritage Site and previous home to two Queens. Come come I urged where you can enter a Painted Hall and walk the grounds of where Pirates of the Carribbean was filmed. It's our little piece of Hollywood I bragged. We can walk the Thames, stroll through Greenwich Park and pose by the Meridian Line. All FREE, FREE, FREE. And that's not all I encouraged: As we get up to the Royal Observatory, we can jump over the Meridian Line and look through telescopes and enter a magnificent planetarium. Bar the planetarium shows, we can do all that for free free free. That's how it's done here in Britain. Culture for the masses.

Spurred on by my enthusiasm, they have been on to all relevant Greenwich websites pinpointing what they want to see and do during their two weeks here. Fascinated are they by the fact that the Olympics (dude the Olympics! shouted their sixteen-year-old) will be held here they can't wait to get here fast enough. Plane tickets have been booked, West-End shows have been allocated and "Can we pay by card at the door to the Observatory or do they only take cash?"

"Must be some mistake," I cockily and knowingly chipped in, the Royal Observatory is free for all. "Not on their website it isn't. For someone with an online blog about Greenwich, you're not up-to-date are you? Check their website".

And I did. And I am sad to announce that come March, Flamsteed House and Meridian Line Courtyard will be charging £10 for each adult but children under 16 still get to go in for free. Entry tickets are annual passes (visitors are able to return as many times as they like within 12 months for no additional charge).

When did that happen? How come I never heard of it? And to be honest had my Canadian friends not been so (and I mean this in the kindest way) thorough and a pain-in-the-ass, need-to-book-everything-in-advance sort of people I would never have found out until the next time I attempted a jump over the Meridian Line maybe? Sorry mate, that jump will now cost you £10. I am sure there is more to this story but right now I am too distraught to find out and am already planning the number of jumps I can get in before March. Watch this space.

To check out the Royal Observatory's times and admissions section, click here.

Constructs, Spectacle and Self Exhibition



Kelly Brown



Exhibition dates: 13 January to 13 February 2011

Opening reception: 20 January, 6-8pm

Exhibiting photographers: Kelly Brown, Catlin Harrison and Kerry Clark

The Viewfinder Photography Gallery is pleased to present “Constructs, Spectacle and Self”, a group exhibition of photographic projects by Kerry Clark, Kelly Brown and Catlin Harrison. The work featured in this exhibition explores identity and gender roles, with a gaze on historic and contemporary references to women.

Viewfinder curator Kathleen Brey says, "Kelly Brown, Kerry Clark and Catlin Harrison are photographers working with the most personal of subjects - themselves, and how they see themselves in the world. Emphasising the spectacle of self, Harrison, Clark and Brown place distance between the subject and the viewer. The artists looked at historical sources (ancestors, old masters, 19th century photographic processes) in the hopes of finding themselves in the present. The resulting photographs by each artist have a performative quality. Clark, Harrison and Brown use photography to portray one’s ongoing soul-search, playing with how we construct our own identities.”

Viewfinder Photography Gallery: 52 Brixton Village (formerly Granville Arcade), London SW9 8PS.

Follow the Viewfinder @ www.viewfinder.org.uk

Join Trinity Laban’s World Choir and Perform at the Roundhouse!

Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance is inviting adults of all musical abilities to take part in a unique singing project starting in February. Over six weeks participants will work with acclaimed vocalist Kerry Andrew to form a new World Choir before showcasing their talents at one of London’s most popular venues, the Roundhouse, in March. Whether you are budding amateur or a seasoned professional it’s always a thrill to sing in a choir so become part of this amazing experience and join in the fun!

The newly formed World Choir will work closely with multitalented vocalist and composer Kerry Andrew for six weeks learning English, Scottish and American folk songs by ear. Singers will learn how to use layers, looped vocal riffs and experiment with unusual vocal techniques. Drawing on her expertise in contemporary vocal music and musical theatre, as well as pop, jazz and folk, Kerry will lead the singers in performing innovative vocal pieces for all to enjoy.

The World Choir project will culminate in a performance on 27 March 2011 in the foyer of the Roundhouse as part of the Voices Now festival. This performance will precede a live edition of BBC Radio 3’s popular programme The Choir which will feature performances by the BBC Singers and the Latvian Radio Choir.

The project is open to anyone with a passion for singing regardless of previous experience. This is a great opportunity to try something different, meet new people and perform at a top London arts venue which has seen the likes of Bob Dylan and The Doors grace its stage.

Rehearsals begin on Wednesday 9 February, 7.30pm – 9.30pm at Trinity Laban’s Theatre Studio in the Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich, London. Following rehearsals take place on Wednesdays 16 February and 2, 9, 16, 23 March.

The full course fee is £50 which includes six rehearsals, the Roundhouse performance and a ticket to see BBC Radio 3’s The Choir on 27 March at 18.30h. Optionally, the course costs £45 excluding The Choir ticket. To book your place or to find out more please call Katie Winsor on 020 8305 4378 or email ed.comm@trinitylaban.ac.uk

Kerry Andrew says, “Learning songs by ear is the most inclusive form of musical education there is. This course welcomes everyone with a passion for singing and presents a brilliant opportunity for those who want to build their confidence, develop their singing skills or just love performing in public!”

For more information on the festival please visit www.voicesnow.co.uk or http://www.roundhouse.org.uk/

Boris and Santa!

What do Mayor Boris and Santa have in common? Click this link (http://www.freshnetworks.com/blog/2010/12/social-santas-and-christmas-fun/) to find out. Enjoy!

From Mischief to Medicine Cabinets: Spring Season at Laban Theatre

Shake off winter with an exhilarating programme of dance at Laban Theatre this spring. Marvel at the anatomy defying choreography of Wayne McGregor Random Dance, enjoy a spellbinding show for all the family with Theatre-Rites and Arthur Pita’s Mischief, dig deep into your medical cabinets with a thought-provoking new work from dANTE or dIE, and delve into the depths of our justice system with a celebrated production from Jasmin Vardimon Company. There’s also the chance to catch exciting new work by acclaimed artists Angela Woodhouse & Caroline Broadhead, Stephanie Schober and Charles Linehan Company.

Opening the season in true theatrical style, Jasmin Vardimon Company presents Justitia (January 20). Staged on an impressive revolving set in a film-like replay of events, the audience plays witness to a gripping crime story from different perspectives - at the crime scene, in the court house, inside an intimate group therapy room - discovering new realities as a series of secrets unfolds. Performed by a company of nine international dancers, Justitia is punctuated with provocative and insightful humour, treating us to a generous helping of Vardimon’s unique brand of highly acute physical theatre - fiercely athletic, daring and beautifully detailed.

Between (January 24 & 25) is the premiere of a stunning new performance installation by dance artist Angela Woodhouse and Jerwood award winning textile artist Caroline Broadhead, following the success of their critically-acclaimed collaborations Sighted and Sighted 2. Through the interplay of dance, materials and light, Woodhouse and Broadhead generate highly charged and atmospheric audience experiences. Between explores the tension between visual spectacle and the hunger for intimacy. Inhabited by three performers and up to forty viewers who move freely around the space, the work is performed in silence and interrogates what it is to experience dance performance. The work is made in collaboration with performers Stine Nilsen (Co-Artistic Director of Candoco Dance Company), David McCormick (DV8 Physical Theatre, Richard Alston Dance Company) and Martina Conti.

For the perfect half-term treat for all the family, look no further than Mischief (February 19 & 20), the award winning show from renowned children’s theatre company Theatre-Rites and innovative choreographer Arthur Pita. Bursting with energy and fun, it’s a fantastic mix of dance, visual art, puppetry, music, and playful clowning. As multi-coloured lines of foam are transformed into an abstract forest, seven dancers take the audience on a magical journey through a wonderland of colour, shapes and surprises. Accompanied by live music and song, it’s designed to appeal to the over-fives, and adults who haven’t entirely mislaid their inner child! Following two highly successful tours in 2007 and 2009, the Laban Theatre dates give London audiences another chance to be enthralled by this popular show before it tours to Barcelona and New York.

Side Effects (March 1) by dANTE or dIE is a playful new dance theatre piece that dissects our medical histories and urges us to investigate what's in our medicine cabinet. Inspired by the fact that the average UK citizen takes 14,000 pills in a lifetime, Side Effects is performed by five dancers between the ages of 20 and 75 who slide between life threatening illnesses to hangovers, questioning how aware we are of what medicine is, how it works and how it can shape the person you are. Side Effects is a unique collaboration with The School of Pharmacy, developed from a 20 minute piece that the company performed at The Place as part of Resolution! 2010 and The Linbury Studio as part of The Royal Opera House Firsts ’10 Season.

Groundbreaking Wayne McGregor

Random Dance returns to Laban Theatre with its latest feast for the senses, F.A.R. (9 & 10 March). McGregor is one of the most in-demand choreographers of his generation (“If any artist has defined the decade - it’s Wayne McGregor” – The Times) and this is a great chance to catch his work in an intimate setting. Inspired by the controversial Age of Enlightenment, F.A.R. explores an era that first placed ‘a body in question’. Ten incredible dancers confront the distortions, sensuality and feeling of the 18th century’s searing contemporary sensibility to a new, haunting score by the critically-acclaimed composer Ben Frost. Staged in a mesmerising environment of shadow and light, object and film, F.A.R. binds cutting edge design with awe-inspiring choreography.

Stephanie Schober & Dance Company will premiere an intriguing new work that draws inspiration from Tom Johnson's minimalist music composition, Abundant Numbers (16 & 17 March). This will be Schober’s first work with live music, and she has been working with accordionist Camilla Barratt-Due and dancers Keir Patrick and Lise Manavit. Johnson’s composition is based on mathematical principles of accumulating materials, providing a rigorous medium for the performers to share the stage and their materials in surprising ways. The as-yet untitled piece has been commissioned by Laban Theatre and The Garrick Charitable Trust, with support from Arts Council England.

In April, Laban Theatre welcomes Charles Linehan Company with two new works, The Fault Index and The Clearing (April 27). Since 1994, the company has been winning audiences over with its understated style – The Guardian has described Linehan “one of our classiest choreographers”. The Fault Index is a celebration of isolated events - a series of connected and unconnected incidents are presented in a different order for each performance. In The Clearing, slow transformations evolve within a complex weave of interlocking melodies, off-rhythms and beautiful sonorities. Featuring a specially commissioned score by Richard Skelton, The Clearing is performed by four dancers including Linehan’s long-term collaborators Rahel Vonmoos and Greig Cooke.

For information on all Laban Theatre performances and to book tickets, please see www.trinitylaban.ac.uk/labantheatre or call 020 8469 9500.

Trinity Laban Announces Honorary Fellows

Akram Khan MBE, Alan Britten CBE, Anna Jattkowski-Hudson, and Robin Kiel MBE have received Honorary Fellowships from Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance in recognition of their outstanding efforts and unique contributions to the arts. The awards were presented at the Trinity Laban music graduation ceremony on December 8 in the Old Royal Naval College Chapel in Greenwich.

Akram Khan MBE is one of the most acclaimed choreographers of his generation working in Britain today. Born in London into a family of Bangladeshi origin, he studied with the renowned kathak dancer and teacher Sri Pratap Pawar. In 2000 he launched Akram Khan Dance Company with producer Farooq Chaudhry, which has provided him with a platform for innovation and a diverse range of work through collaboration with artists from other disciplines. Akram Khan Dance Company has performed to packed houses as part of Trinity Laban’s Laban Theatre public performance dance programme.

Alan Britten CBE became the first chair of the English Tourism Council in 1999. A former Trinity College of Music and Trinity Laban board member, he is a trustee of Trinity Laban, and President of the Friends of Aldeburgh Music – the year-round performance centre which supports artists at all stages in their careers by providing inspirational and relaxed spaces in which to create new work.

Trinity Laban alumnus Anna Jattkowski-Hudson currently works as Registrar at Rockford College – an independent liberal arts higher education provider in Illinois, USA. She is a popular figure at Trinity Laban having spent 10 years working at Trinity College of Music and Trinity Laban, first as Curriculum Manager and then as Academic Registrar.

Robin Kiel MBE, who studied the bassoon and composition at Trinity, has been a lifelong advocate for the performing arts. He played a major role in the development and promotion of the Government’s national Music and Dance Scheme which provides exceptionally talented children and young people access to high quality dance and music education through hubs including Trinity Laban’s Centre of Advanced Training and Saturday school Junior Trinity. In 2008, Robin was appointed MBE for his work in this important area of provision for talented young musicians and dancers.

Chairman of the Trinity Laban Board of Governors Sir Robert Scott comments: “We are delighted to welcome Akram, Alan, Anna and Robin as Trinity Laban Honorary Fellows. Each of them stands out for their unique accomplishments in the fields of performing arts and arts education. It is inspirational for our students to see examples of people who have – through vision, dedication and hard work – achieved so much.”

Trinity College London also presented honorary awards under the licence of Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance during the graduation ceremony. Professor Charles Alderson was appointed Honorary Fellow (Hon FTCL) for his extensive services to the College and the arts. Robin Popplesdorf and Glyndwr Jones became Honorary Members (Hon TCL) in recognition of their commitment and dedication to the Institution.

This Saturday At Blackheath Halls

SATURDAY 4 DECEMBER 3PM

Aladdin and his mates like mucking about down at the market place. His Mum, Mrs Din, dreams of being more than just a school dinner lady. A TV chef perhaps? Then Aladdin claps eyes on the beautiful Princess Badou and his heart beats to a new tune. At the same time, an enchanting stranger enters his life and promises riches beyond belief - turning the existence of Aladdin and his mum upside down.

Meanwhile at the Palace, the Sultan announces the forthcoming wedding of his daughter Badou to the Grand Vizier's son, Twit.

Can Aladdin win his Princess? Will Mrs Din cook anything eatable? Will the Genie of the Ring get off the loo in time? Shall the Sorcerer gain the upper hand, as well as the biggest? And can the Grand Vizier solve the mystery of that lamp?

Suitable for ages 5 - 11 years

TICKETS £7

Do something different this Christmas

Christmas Star Party

The Christmas star party at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich offers a unique festive experience for families. The programme includes Christmas Stars planetarium show, a chance to look at the Moon through a gigantic telescope, an opportunity to use small telescopes in the Meridian Courtyard and time to stand on the Prime Meridian of the world and take in the amazing view. This includes hot chocolate, mulled wine, mince pies and other festive treats while in the courtyard. Christmas attire or accessories are a must for adults and children alike.

Please note: If adverse weather conditions prevent viewing through the telescopes, an alternative programme will be offered. We are not able to offer refunds under such circumstances.

Location:Royal Observatory Greenwich; Courtyard; 28-inch Telescope; Planetarium

Who's it for?: Family (over-5s); Adults; Young people

Dates:17th Dec 2010 - 18th Dec 2010

Times:17.25, 17.30, 18.45, 18.50

Fee:£20: per person  £70: family ticket*

Event type: The Royal Observatory in Greenwich

Booking: Booking required. Debit / Credit Card only

Online: www.nmm.ac.uk/tickets

(Tel: 020 8312 6608)

The Bookings office is open 10.00-16.00

* Family ticket = 2 adults, 2 children OR 1 adult, 3 children.

GRAMMY AWARD-WINNER IMOGEN HEAP TO PERFORM WITH DOCKLANDS SINFONIA

Love The Earth – featuring Imogen Heap

Friday 3rd December 2010, 7:30pm
St Anne’s Church, Three Colt Street, Limehouse, London E14 7HP

Grammy award-winning singer songwriter Imogen Heap will make a guest appearance at Docklands Sinfonia next concert on Friday December 3rd.

The world-famous artist will conduct the orchestra for the second performance of a groundbreaking new film project called ‘Love The Earth’ (lovetheearthfilm.org). The orchestra was honoured to have been involved in the Love The Earth world premiere at Imogen’s sell-out Royal Albert Hall concert on Friday 5th November. The performance, which was met with a standing ovation from the audience, was also streamed live over the internet in high definition to over 480,000 people worldwide.

Love The Earth is a concept film from Imogen Heap and Thomas Ermacora which involves the crowd-sourcing of video footage to create a nature film. The film will be screened at the concert while Docklands Sinfonia perform the score live under Imogen’s baton.

Spencer Down, Docklands Sinfonia’s founder and musical director, said: “We are honoured and excited that such a phenomenal artist is performing with the orchestra.

“Love The Earth is a breathtaking film. It is a testament to Imogen’s immense talent that she wrote her stunning orchestral score in under three months while performing a world tour.”

Imogen added: “'I adore the Docklands Sinfonia! I'd never conducted in my life and it was a dream come true to conduct my first orchestral piece at the Royal Albert Hall. I was grinning from ear to ear.

“The orchestra will be fond in my heart forever. I am so looking forward to doing it all again at their concert on December 3rd."

Imogen is an innovative and eclectic British musician. Her latest album Ellipse earned her a Grammy (Best Engineered Album) and Ivor Novello award. Her graceful tunes such as her signature track "Hide & Seek" populate movies and TV shows from The O.C. to the Chronicles of Narnia. She is also well-known for her use of the web and social networking to communicate with her loyal fan base.

Docklands Sinfonia, which was only formed in January last year, has already achieved stunning success with a BBC1 performance and a number of sell-out concerts with major classical artists. In June 2010, Docklands Sinfonia was rated as one of London’s top five non-professional orchestras by the respected industry magazine ‘Classical Music’.

Tickets are selling fast for the concert, which takes place at the Hawksmoor-designed St Anne’s church in Limehouse and starts at 7:30pm. The orchestra will also be performing Sibelius Symphony No.2 with conductor Spencer Down.

Tickets, costing £15, can be booked directly from the orchestra’s website at www.docklandssinfonia.co.uk or from the Docklands Sinfonia box office on 07827 568992 or info@docklandssinfonia.co.uk.

MILITARY BAND PLAN LOCAL CAROL CONCERT

Residents of south east London and north east Kent can soon get well and truly into the Christmas spirit with a festive carol concert featuring the renowned Royal Artillery Orchestra. The concert on the evening of Saturday 18 December will take place in the atmospheric setting of Firepower The Royal Artillery Museum in the historic Royal Arsenal, Woolwich. Traditional Christmas carols will be performed and the audience will be welcome to join in or just listen and enjoy the festive entertainment.

The concert will start at 7pm, tickets cost £5 seated, £3 standing and can be pre-booked on 0208 312 7123. The concert will last about 90 minutes and the Museum Cafe Bistro will be open afterwards for seasonal treats and supper - reservations can be made.

Firepower, The Royal Artillery Museum, Royal Arsenal, Woolwich, SE18 6ST

The Krystal World

Joel Lardner

2 December to 12 December 2010

Private view: Thursday 2 December, 2010, 6-8pm

Exhibiting photographers: Joel Lardner and Dan Tobin Smith

The Viewfinder Photography Gallery is pleased to present “The Krystal World,” a collaborative project initiated by Joel Lardner and Dan Tobin Smith. The project attempts to stimulate new imaginative strategies via an alchemical photomontage technique. Tobin Smith’s photographic archive provides a seductive sequence of images from which new meanings are formed and new worlds explored. Cordyceps fungi provides a way of understanding this creative process and the discourse associated with beauty and decay that permeates this body of work.

The photographs of Dan Tobin Smith are transformed and transmuted into different forms by the illustrative work of Joel Lardner in an expressive, organic and intuitive response to the original photographic work. These organic forms evolve out of the photographic work and depend upon it for their development in much the same way as the Cordyceps fungus invades and exploits its host for its own development and survival.

Viewfinder Photography Gallery: 52 Brixton Village (formerly Granville Arcade), London SW9 8PS. Follow the Viewfinder @ www.viewfinder.org.uk

Greenwich Market's Christmas News

Greenwich Market open 7 days a week

London’s famous Greenwich Market will be open 7 days a week through to 31 December. 150 Christmas-themed stalls will offer unique hand crafted and designed gift ideas and stocking-fillers, handmade jewellery, fashion and beauty treats as well as food and drink of a festive nature. Remember to visit the special St Alfege Market (by the church) open 7 days a week too.

Father Christmas arrives in SE10

Visit Father Christmas in his Grotto at 5a Greenwich Market every Saturday and Sunday this Christmas. His funny elf will treat the children to lots of magic and balloon fun while they wait their turn to talk to Santa and collect their Christmas gift bag.
12.30 pm to 5.30pm daily – Saturdays and Sundays - 27 and 28 November, 4 and 5, 11 and 12, 18 and 19 December. £4 a visit.

Young Musicians in Greenwich and Lewisham to Benefit from Mayor’s Music Education Fund

An inspiring new music initiative that will help young people in Greenwich and Lewisham develop their music skills has been awarded funding as part of a major scheme launched by the Mayor of London Boris Johnson.

The Animate Orchestra is borne out of a creative partnership between Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance (Trinity Laban) and Greenwich and Lewisham Music Services, who will work in partnership with the London Philharmonic Orchestra (LPO), Southbank Centre and The O2 to inspire young musicians. The project aims to motivate young musicians from Years 6-9 in Greenwich and Lewisham schools to progress in the fields of ensemble and creative music making and to continue music tuition during the transition to secondary school, when many can ‘drop out’ of instrumental learning.

Young people will be invited to create their own ensemble that represents an ‘orchestra for the 21st Century’. They will make music alongside members of the LPO, staff and students from Trinity Laban and teachers from Greenwich and Lewisham Music Services, as well as perform and attend performances by other artists, at venues to include Southbank Centre and The O2. The Animate Orchestra launches next spring with a series of interactive performances taking place at secondary schools across the two boroughs, reaching over 1200 children between the ages of 10 and 14. Young people will be invited to attend a series of holiday courses to create the new ensemble, working alongside orchestral musicians, music tutors and a creative director. The Animate Orchestra will perform during 2012 as part of Cultural Olympiad programming.

This is one of six new partnerships funded by the Mayor’s Music Education Fund. Over the next two years, these partnerships will give in total over 5,000 young people from diverse social backgrounds and at different levels of learning the chance to develop their skills on a musical instrument, play in a group with other students, and work and perform with some of the UK’s finest professional musicians in some of London’s most inspirational venues.

Currently music is a compulsory subject up to the age of 14, but fewer than one in 10 students takes the subject at GCSE level. It is hoped that with the Music Education Fund and through the work of the Music Education Strategy, more and more young people will be encouraged, not only to take up a musical instrument, but to continue their instrumental learning with opportunities to take part in orchestral, band and inspirational projects with professional musicians.

Councillor Jackie Smith, Greenwich Cabinet Member for Children and Young People says: ‘Greenwich has a proud record of nurturing the musical talents of our children and young people. The Animate Orchestra provides an excellent way to further develop our existing partnerships so that more local children can experience the unique sense of pride and achievement associated with creating and performing live music.’

Andrea Spain, Head of Professional Skills at Trinity Laban says: ‘Performing in an orchestra can be one of the most exciting aspects of being a musician. By bringing together a professional orchestra, the musicians of Trinity Laban, the expertise of music services and the creativity of young people, we look forward to capturing the power and impact of orchestral musicianship, in an ensemble that represents the ideas and culture of a new generation.’

Timothy Walker AM, Chief Executive and Artistic Director of the London Philharmonic Orchestra says: ‘Thanks to the Mayor’s Music Education Fund, the LPO has been able to forge a new partnership with Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, Greenwich and Lewisham Music Services, Southbank Centre and The O2 to create Animate Orchestra, a new ensemble and a new musical pathway for talented young people in the London Boroughs of Greenwich and Lewisham. We hope to support children who have participated in wider opportunities, Saturday centres and other instrumental learning schemes and nurture them as young musicians through transition into secondary education.’

New Dance Production, Corpo-realities at Laban Theatre this November

Sankalpam – Corpo-Realities

Tuesday 16 and Wednesday 17 November, 19.30h
Laban Theatre, Laban, Creekside, London SE8 3DZ
Tickets £12 / £8 (concessions)
Booking: 020 8469 9500 or via www.trinitylaban.ac.uk/labantheatre

Asian-inspired dance company Sankalpam are showcasing their new innovative and collaborative production, Corpo-realities, at Laban Theatre in South East London on 16 and 17 November at 19.30h. Corpo-realities, featuring a triple bill for 5 female dancers, fuses the ancient South Indian classical dance Bharata Natyam with contemporary techniques.

Three artists have been commissioned to create a collaborative choreographic framework for Corpo-realities. These include Luca Silvestrini, known for his outstanding work with Protein Dance, who uses clever observational movements to reflect cultural hang-ups; former resident Southbank Centre artist Stephanie Schober (a Trinity Laban graduate) whose sophisticated choreography exposes the performers’ desire to communicate; and Sankalpam’s joint artistic director Stella Uppal-Subbiah who has collaborated with theatre director Phillip Zarrilli to explore the psychophysical expressive process of abhinaya (internal acting).

Bharata Natyam is often thought of as the dance of the mind and soul, and Corpo-realities certainly captures this essence. This promises to be a passionate performance by the dancers delivering the progressive choreography of Silvestrini, Schober, Uppal-Subbiah and Zarrilli within the appropriately modern yet intimate Laban Theatre.

The accompanying music compliments this varied evening of dance featuring pieces for keyboard by Bach, a mixture of Chinese, Indian and French music, and meditative drones with cleverly integrated sound and text.

Sankalpam, founded in 1994 by current joint artistic directors Mira Balchandran Gokul and Stella Uppal Subbiah alongside Valli Subbiah and Vidya Thirunarayan, aims to stretch Bharata Natyam beyond its traditional classical form. However, Corpo-realities is a big departure from their usual work as it incorporates work from contemporary choreographers and dancers trained in contemporary dance technique. This blending of cultures attracts both fans of contemporary dance and those of classical Indian dance.

Expect to see precise and well articulated movement which challenges ideas of form, identity and artistic freedom, all executed with the utmost grace. By reducing the cultural specificity and religious associations of Bharata Natyam, Sankalpam revives the language of South Indian dance and makes this unique art form more accessible.

For tickets please call 020 8469 9500 or visit www.trinitylaban.ac.uk/labantheatre

UNIVERSALLY SPECTACULAR SIGHT

Sky 3D brings ‘The Universe’ to life over London with nine giant helium filled ‘Planets’

To celebrate the launch of Sky 3D, Europe’s first 3D TV channel, spectacular scenes from its forthcoming 3D premiere of The Universe: 7 Wonders of the Solar System were brought to life above London’s Royal Greenwich Observatory.

Nine helium filled ‘planets’ measuring between two and six metres in diameter were floated and illuminated above London’s skyline creating a unique spectacle ahead of the screening of the new programme from History™.

The Universe: 7 Wonders of the Solar System is the first episode from a new series of the popular History series The Universe and will be screened in 3D. The programme is part of the 3D entertainment line up for Sky’s ground breaking 3D channel, which launched on 1 October 2010. Viewers will be transported to the outer regions of space from the comfort of their sofa on Sunday 24 October at 9pm on Sky 3D.

John Cassy, Sky 3D’s Channel Director comments: “The phenomenal universe we live in has captured the imagination of generations for centuries and we wanted to add yet another dimension. It’s taken a team of 17 people over 100 hours to recreate the Solar System over the London skyline, with the impressive Jupiter dominating this celebration of ‘The Universe’ on Sky 3D.’

Sky’s groundbreaking new 3D channel is Europe’s first domestic 3D TV channel offering a variety of movies, documentaries, sports arts and entertainment. The channel is available through all existing Sky+HD boxes and compatible with all ‘active’ and ‘passive’ 3D TVs being produced by LG, Sony, Samsung, and Panasonic.

The Universe: 7 Wonders of the Solar System will screen on Sky 3D, channel 217, on Sunday 24 October at 9pm. For more information on Sky 3D and 3D TV at home visit www.sky.com/3d

To view the ‘behind the scenes’ video of the solar system being brought to life above London’s Royal Greenwich Observatory visit: www.sky.com/3duniverse



Greenwich International Early Music Festival & Exhibition 2010

Greenwich International Early Music Festival & Exhibition 2010

12 – 14 November 2010

Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich, London, SE10 9LF

From viols to vespers, the stunning baroque architecture of the Old Royal Naval College will resonate with the sounds of all things early music in November during the ninth Greenwich International Early Music Festival & Exhibition. Across three days, a diverse programme of performance featuring acclaimed musicians will run alongside the world’s largest and most prestigious early music exhibitors fair, featuring over 100 international instrument makers. Run by the Early Music Shop and Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music (Trinity Laban), this unique event has proved an essential fixture on the early music calendar.

Among the highlights of this year’s programme is Quartet New Generation (QNG), a female recorder collective juxtaposing contemporary and early music, hailed as ‘recorder virtuosos’ by The New York Times and ‘mind-blowing’ by the Los Angeles Times. Performing on over 30 different recorders of varying sizes and shapes during the course of a typical performance, QNG transports the listener into new sonic worlds (Fri 12 Nov, 5.45pm, St Alfege Church).

On Friday at 1pm head to St Alfege Church to hear the fascinating story of the Golden Lyre of Ur – dating from 2,550 years BC. The poignant discovery in 1929 of three lyres and a harp in a mass grave in Mesopotamia led to six years of investigation and the subsequent painstaking recreation of this remarkable instrument. Told through narrative and music, it is a tale of deaths, mass-suicides and royal court musicians who played to the bitter end.

One of the themes of this year’s festival is the work of Haydn. The renowned Café Mozart will be will be joined by Steven Devine (fortepiano) to perform Haydn a L’anglaise (Fri 12, 7.45pm, Old Royal Naval College Chapel). A mixture of songs by Haydn as found in English editions available in London when he arrived in 1791, instrumental music converted into “Ballads” and keyboard Rondos based on Haydn’s English Canzonettas will be performed alongside keyboard music by Haydn’s pupil Thomas Haigh. Steven Devine will also be performing a lunchtime recital of concerti by the Bach family with harpsichordist John Henry in St Alfege Church (Sat 13, 1pm).

Baroque flute player Rachel Brown, described by The Sunday Telegraph as ‘a performer of remarkable intensity and musicianship’, will be performing Telemann’s Fantasias on Saturday 13 (3pm, Old Royal Naval College Chapel). A leading authority on historical performance practice, Rachel is known for her moving and virtuosic performances on a wide range of flutes and recorders.

Significant anniversaries celebrated at this year’s festival include the 400th anniversary of the publication of Monteverdi’s Marian Vespers, which the Trinity Laban Early Music Ensemble and Choir will mark with a programme of early 17th century Italian sacred music (Sat 13, 7.45pm Old Royal Naval College Chapel). Also on Saturday, The Burney Players mark the 300th anniversary of Thomas Arne’s birth with a programme of his chamber music, also featuring the music and writings of Charles Burney (5.45pm St Alfege Church).

The last day of the festival opens at the Recital Room in Blackheath Halls as the Fitzwilliam String Quartet celebrate their 40th anniversary with a lively programme of Purcell, Bach, Mozart and Haydn (Sun 14, 10.30am).

Also performing at the festival: Trinity Laban Early Music Prize 2010 winners Due Corde – a violin and cello duo who specialise in performing 18th century violin sonatas with basso continuo realised on the cello alone; and a solo recital by Pernille Petersen, the talented winner of the 2009 Moeck Competition.

The Exhibition will be located in the magnificent Christopher Wren-designed Painted Hall on the Old Royal Naval College site for the duration of the festival. A diverse group of early instrument makers from around the globe, as well as shops, music publishers, societies, recording companies and early music forums will all gather under one roof. An array of superb instruments will be on display and for sale, including harpsichords, clavichords, spinets, organs, viols, baroque violins, mediaeval fiddles, lutes, harps, hurdy-gurdies, crumhorns, shawms, rebecs, pipes, sackbutts, trumpets, drums, tabors, and an extensive variety of recorders. Exhibitors will provide advice on all aspects of these instruments from basic servicing and string replacement to decoration and troubleshooting, and there will be free makers' demonstration recitals on the hour.

Performance programme tickets available via 020 8463 0100 or via www.ticketweb.co.uk Exhibition tickets should be purchased on the door. For more information see http://www.earlymusicfestival.com/

MUSEUM PREPARES FOR UNIQUE NINE DAY HISTORY EVENT‏



A re-enactor from La Columna portraying a British
anti-fascist volunteer during Spanish Civil War, 1938.



For nine days from Saturday 23 to Sunday 31 October Firepower, The Royal Artillery Museum will be staging a range of events and activities marking those same days in October throughout history. No two days will be the same and on each day visitors can find out what was happening on that day in history.

The unique event, Nine Days in History, will begin over the weekend of Saturday 23 to Sunday 24 October with two days of living history. Among the characters from history who will be there to meet visitors will be British volunteers fighting the fascists in the Spanish Civil War and wartime Gunners. There will also be film shows, Firepower’s own vintage radio station broadcasting round the world and family history experts. Visitors arriving in their own period costume (only Allied allowed) will get a free gift. Residents of the London Borough of Greenwich will have free admission for the Living History weekend of 23-24 October.

During the school holidays from Monday 25 to Friday 29 October the Museum will be providing a range of great family friendly activities including military style drills with soldiers, free fun tours, making a gas mask, firing a real wartime 25 pounder gun, dressing up in uniform, Hunt the Horrible trails, wartime storytelling, bungee run and Firepower’s firing range.

Nine Days in History will end on the weekend of Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 October with the Royal Arsenal Heritage Quarter Community History Days. Again for these two days, residents of the London Borough of Greenwich will get free admission. These two full days of heritage activity in and around Firepower and the Royal Arsenal, Woolwich. Re-enactors including Firepower’s Living History Team will bring exhibits to life, family history experts will be on hand, there will be talks and tours on the historic Royal Arsenal, archive films of old Woolwich and wargaming demonstrations. Due to popular demand a Halloween ghost tour will take place on the evening of Sunday 31st.

Firepower, The Royal Artillery Museum is based at the Royal Arsenal in Woolwich - the birthplace of the Royal Artillery that was founded there in 1716. The Museum is acknowledged as the world’s oldest and premier artillery museum. Firepower tells the story of the Gunners – the more than 2.5 million men and women of the Royal Artillery, and the part they have played in history and their role today in the front line with the British Army. Tales of extraordinary heroism and endeavour are presented alongside explanations of the technological and scientific advances driven by the development of artillery from Roman times to the present day. Experiences at Firepower include the ground-shaking Field of Fire audio-visual show where visitors are put in the midst of battle as shells and aircraft fly overhead and guns roar all around, giving an insight into the experiences of an artillery gunner.

Firepower will be open from 10.30am each day and is located in the historic Royal Arsenal in Woolwich, London, between the A206 and the Thames. Woolwich Arsenal DLR station is just a five minute walk from the Museum. Normal admission costs: Adults £5.00, children £2.50, concessions £4.50. Discounted family tickets are also available.

Halloween Fun at Greenwich Market

Halloween kicks off at Greenwich Market on Friday 29 October when the Market, decorated with pumpkins and balloons, will echo to the sound of scary music. Children aged 6 and over are invited to take part in one of the FREE Halloween Costume Workshops taking place from 11am on Friday. They can choose to make outfits including a witch, Dracula, goblin, evil fairy, good fairy and zombie. All materials will be supplied and, dressed in character, they can have their face painted for free and take part in the scary fashion show at 5pm - the best costume will win a prize! Other Halloween activities will include decorate your own trick or treat bag with Bubblelucy, scary cupcake decorating workshops with Ms Cupcake, ghostly story telling and scrummy pumpkin soup tastings.

Grown ups can take part too – on Saturday and Sunday, there will be sewing workshops for adults to make quirky contemporary Halloween style crafts including hats, fancy pants, simple bags and accessories – from 11am to 5pm and cost just £7.50 per project. Fun and easy for the beginner through to more advanced for the practised. Machinery and fabrics will all be supplied – just turn up and get crafty with Miss Libby Rose.

All children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.