Norfolk based cultural arts organisation Music Worldwide approached us for a residency with the very respected and prestigious Norwich School, situated in the city centre next to the 900 year old Norwich Cathedral. Working with their music students on a performance of Orchestra of Samples, we worked with a choir of 15 students, 6 soloists (saxophone, harp, violin, French horn, guitar and veena – the Indian stringed instrument) and two percussionists – all extremely talented musicians with some about to enroll in dedicated music colleges.
With days of intense practicing, ahead of full rehearsals and run-throughs, the final performance took place at the city’s Norwich Playhouse Theatre, where Graham and Alejandro were also joined on stage by regular collaborator František Holčík on clarinet and EWI (electronic wind instrument) and the residency organiser himself Gary Newland, who also happens to be a percussionist. A wonderful experience all round.
With thanks to the whole music department at Norwich School, particularly Caroline Speca – the school’s Head of Making Musicians – and to Music Worldwide’s Gary Newland for making the project happen.