Over a two day residency, the London Mozart Players, one of the UK’s leading chamber orchestras, inspired over 300 children in North Norfolk.

On Friday 28 February, the orchestra performed a fabulous programme of music at the Auden Theatre that showcased the great artistry of their musicians as well as rising star horn soloist Ben Goldscheider, who was the winner of the Brass Section of the BBC Young Musician of the Year 2016 when he was 18 years old.

Prior to the concert, over 275 children 8 local primary schools were invited to sit in on the open rehearsal, where they experienced live classical music and had the opportunity to ask the musicians about their instruments.

This was the latest concert in a series produced by Orchestras Live in partnership with North Norfolk District Council and Norfolk Music Hub. Established ten years ago, the series has seen a range of world class orchestras perform at rural venues across North Norfolk. Many of those concerts have been surrounded with activity in which professional players share their skills and experience with local young people, helping to inspire the next generation of musicians. It all stems from our belief that professional orchestras have a huge part to play in supporting creativity, learning and progression routes in the places where they perform.

Children performing on stage in chamber orchestraThis concert was no exception, with over 80 children and young instrumentalists from 25 Norfolk schools attending a free workshop the following day. The Celebration of Young Musicians was supported by special guest players from London Mozart Players alongside teachers from Norfolk Music Service and more advanced players from Gresham’s School. Beginner players of brass, strings and woodwind instruments took part in group music-making, many for the first time, performing to parents and families at the end of the day. Many of these children and their families were offered complimentary tickets for the orchestra’s evening concert, for having taken part in the workshop.

Councillor Virginia Gay, portfolio holder for Culture and Wellbeing at North Norfolk District Council said: “These concerts are a wonderful occasion for music making among young musicians. NNDC is delighted to help in bringing them together with an outstanding ensemble like the London Mozart Players”

Parent comments included:

“It was really lovely to come to the concert on Friday. My daughter was so impressed with the musicians; at one point she turned and looked at me and just mouthed the word ‘wow’! I’m hoping she will be more inspired to practise.”

“It was a marvellous experience for both [my daughters] who thoroughly enjoyed themselves. They said playing in an orchestra was amazing as they had only played in small groups before. They said they learnt so much too.”

One school commented:

“Thank you so much for the invite for our children to watch the rehearsal on Friday. Both the children and staff were well and truly wow-ed by the music! It was another fantastic opportunity to enrich the children’s musical experience.”

Pupils said:

“My favourite part was learning how they changed the tempo of the music.”

“I enjoyed the London Mozart players.  I noticed that one of the violinists was the conductor.  I enjoyed listening to the relaxing music.”

“The French horn was good but I liked the cello.  Most of the instruments were string instruments, but some were wind instruments. The music was fast and cheerful and the fingers moved fast of the string players.”


Related news: Create Yarmouth launches orchestral residency in East Norfolk


We would like to thank our partners and staff for facilitating these wonderful events as well as the parents and children for getting involved.

If you attended any part of the weekend we would appreciate your feedback and your child’s responses to help us plan future events. Please follow this link to our questionnaire: https://forms.gle/4kYCYBg9GtW6gXaf8