Aviva & London Philharmonic Orchestra Organise Music Workshop for School Children with HT Pace

New Delhi, April 7th, 2010: Aviva Life Insurance and the London Philharmonic Orchestra organised a music workshop for school students in New Delhi today in association with HT Pace. The workshop was in line with Aviva Life Insurance’s belief- ‘Education is Insurance’ and behind every good performance is a good education

The workshop was conducted by the renowned musicians of the London Philharmonic Orchestra’s, at the British Council, Kasturba Gandhi Marg. The workshop is a part of the orchestra’s unique ten-day tour of India, during which it will give performances in high-profile venues in Mumbai, Bengaluru and Delhi, by its Renga Ensemble and the Karnataka College of Percussion, with Aviva Life Insurance as the international touring partner and HT as the supporting partner.

Nine musicians alongwith presenter Lucy Forde introduced 250 pupils from 20 leading schools of Delhi to several western classical music and instruments. Musicians Fiona Higham (Violin), Kate Birchall (Violin), Robert Duncan (Viola), Santiago Carvalho (Cello), Stewart McIlwham (Flute), Simon Estell (Bassoon), Richard Bissell (French horn), Anne McAneney (Trumpet) and David Whitehous (Trombone) were a part of the ensemble.

Over the last one week, some 1000 children from schools in Mumbai, Bangalore and Delhi have attended these workshops.

The workshop began on a musical note with the workshop leader- Lucy Forde sharing anecdotes with pupils and introducing them to the various instruments and their music. She then led the audience in a warm up using body percussion and the voice to explore rhythm. Players then joined in playing chords as the whole audience did tutti claps. The warm up culminated in an energetic and engaging activity wherein all students enthusiastically tapped 8 times on their head, 8 taps on the shoulders, 8 taps on their knees and 8 taps on their toes....then 7 taps, 6 taps, 5 taps etc.

Each player then introduced their instruments to the kids, demonstrating various techniques. Using different repertoires, the players demonstrated how composers use solo, harmony, melody and rhythm for classical ensembles. The workshop leader deconstructed the repertoire, highlighting different compositional and performance techniques.

All the children who participated in the workshop were given a certificate of participation by the London Philharmonic Orchestra and Aviva Life Insurance.

Matthew Todd, Education Director, London Philharmonic Orchestra said, "The work we do with the schools forms such an integral part of the work we do as an Orchestra. With the help of our partners, including Aviva, we are delighted to have the opportunity to perform these workshops, to explain some of our western classical instruments and styles of performance. We hope that they may inspire the students to further explore western classical music in the future"

TR Ramachandran, CEO & MD, Aviva India said, "Our new International Tour Partnership this year is taking Aviva and the London Philharmonic Orchestra on an exciting journey to some of our key growth markets in Asia. This tour in India is a first for both Aviva and the Orchestra and we’re delighted that it combines new performances with a series of music education workshops for young students. In India Aviva believes ‘education is insurance’ and through these workshops we hope to share not only a love of music, but the important skills such as listening, learning, and working together as a team , in a creative and inspirational environment."

About LPO

Founded by Sir Thomas Beecham in 1932, as a counterpart to the great Philharmonic Orchestras of Berlin and Vienna, the London Philharmonic Orchestra has established a reputation for excellence and innovation. Resident at the Royal Festival Hall, London and Glyndebourne Festival Opera the Orchestra has achieved acclaim through varied, exciting performances, highly successful recordings and celebrated work in local communities and education.