FREE MASTERCLASSES FOR YOUNG MUSICIANS

The pandemic has led to the suspension of many of the usual orchestras and ensemble groups for young musicians, impacting both musical development and social interaction. To encourage them in their learning and to enable them to keep playing in the company of like-minded peers, Opera North has created Orchestral Academy Online. Building on the success of its live equivalents, the online academy provides free masterclasses and workshops led by members of the Orchestra of Opera North. Each one has been devised especially for young musicians aged 10 to 18, studying an orchestral instrument at Grade 4 or above.

The workshops will be held during February half term and will focus on a particular instrument or on an orchestral section, such as woodwind, brass and percussion. Each session has been designed in collaboration with Opera North’s professional musicians to enable participants to celebrate what makes their instrument special and to explore new ways in which to develop technical ability and overall musicality in a friendly, supportive and safe environment.

To sign up: www.operanorth.co.uk/whats-on/orchestral-academy-online – Starts 15th February

picture by Justin Slee