East Riding schools and residents in film premiere of new music inspired by 'The Four Seasons'
Thu 4th February 2021
Sinfonia Viva Orchestra will premiere School of BaROCK on Saturday, 13 February, as part of East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s Classically Yours programme.
The School of BaROCK film features East Riding of Yorkshire residents of all ages performing new music they have written, inspired by Vivaldi’s ‘Four Seasons’.
Back in March 2020, Bay and Martongate Primaries in Bridlington, and Kingsmill School in Driffield, along with Bridlington-based Remarkable Rock Choir, were all set to perform with Sinfonia Viva at Bridlington Spa when the Covid19 lockdown cancelled the performance. Since then Sinfonia Viva has been working with them remotely and when live work was able to restart in summer 2020, the orchestra arranged a recording session and prepared a series of online workshops with participants to learn and record their new music to create this new film.
Sinfonia Viva delivered a series of digital workshops with schools to learn their songs and Makaton signs ready to be filmed in school. Working digitally meant Remarkable Rock Choir and people across the East Riding could also join, and they attended weekly zoom sessions to learn and record the new songs.
“We were delighted to welcome a range of new participants, including members of Stamford Bridge Community Choir during the autumn,” said June Mitchell, the council’s Community Arts Officer. “The sessions have helped residents feel connected during a time of social isolation and supported their wellbeing.”
A member of the School of BaROCK choir said: “I, like everyone else, was so disappointed when the wicked virus called a halt to your wonderful project but meeting up every Thursday evening has lifted my spirits; you have completed the circle, thank you”.
These songs are surprising and captivating, with a catchy pop twist. Join School of BaROCK to sing your heart out at the online premiere on Saturday, 13 February at 3pm.
Marianne Barraclough, Deputy CEO, Sinfonia Viva, said: “We are so pleased to be able to share the participants’ amazing work that has been produced throughout the course of this project. With the cancellation of the largescale event to present the songs at Bridlington Spa back in March 2020, we knew that we needed to do what we can to adapt and make sure these songs were heard. As a result, we are sharing the songs digitally, reaching an even bigger audience, and sharing this positive story of determination and the power of music with as many people as possible.”
The School of BaROCK film will premiere on Saturday, 13 February at 3pm at https://www.facebook.com/CYEastRiding
This project was funded by Arts Council England, with East Riding of Yorkshire Council and Orchestras Live working together in partnership.
