16-19 September 2008 Shanghai

The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra is one of the best-known orchestras in the world, committed to bringing exciting music-making of the highest quality to the widest possible audience. For the last 14 years RPO musicians have been, and continue to be, actively engaged in extending their artistic work through the innovative Community and Education Programme.

The vibrant programme encompasses a diverse range of community settings, working with many genres of music.

Before the Orchestra’s concert in 2-3 Oct 2008, RPO’s Education and Community team and the musicians from RPO will help Shanghai citizens and the special needs children from Shanghai Dudong Area Special School to make their own pieces and put on a public concert, after a three days workshop in 16-18 Sep. Also they will bring the local conservatory students and musicians an insight into orchestral community work and workshop leadership skills.

Music in Us Workshops is part of the two years British Council Inclusive Cities project in China and East Asia, in which Arts will been seen as a valuable and inclusive means of personal and social expression, through which audiences can gain a greater insight and understanding of diversity within their cities and of each other.

1) ‘Music in Us’ Workshop

When:16-18 September 10:00 – 17:00
Where: Shanghai Oriental Arts Centre
Who: Anyone interested in arts/arts education/community work, with or without music or instrument playing skills
Special Guests: students from Shanghai Dudong Area Special School

Workshop conducted in English with Chinese interpretation

Through the three days workshop, the participants will be able to create a music performance of their own, with the musicians from The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and the students from Shanghai Dudong Area Special School. They will have the opportunity to experience different instruments and the creation of music piece, and to create pieces, rehearse and prepare a concert with others. Also they will have the opportunity to exchange with the educators and musicians from the orchestra.

2) ‘Music in Us’ Workshop Concert

When: 18:30-19:30, 18 September
Where: Shanghai Oriental Arts Centre
It is a free concert with limited seats. Please send email to lisa.zhang@britishcouncil.org.cn to book your ticket.

The workshop participants will put up a concert of their own, playing the pieces they created in the three days for the audience.

3) ‘Music in Us’ Professional Day

When: 19 September 10:00 – 17:00
Where: Shanghai Conservatory of Music
Workshop conducted in English with Chinese interpretation

The Training Day will be targeted at conservatoire students and local musicians interested in gaining an insight into orchestral community work and to learn and develop workshop leadership skills.

For further enquiry on ‘Music in Us’ Workshops please contact lisa.zhang@britishcouncil.org.cn or dial 021-63912626 ext.246/272

The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra ‘Music in Us’ Workshops is organised by Cultural and Educational Section of the British Consulate-General (British Council) and Shanghai Oriental Arts Centre, in association with Shanghai Conservatory of Music.