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The Firebird project
The Firebird Project in partnership with Longborough Festival Opera started its journey in May 2023 with an illustrated talk given by Thomas Hull on Stravinsky’s iconic ballet suite, The Firebird. This was followed up by the Campden Literature Festival’s evening with The Royal Ballet School, introduced by Dame Monica Mason and including the dancers she had worked with, performing the Pas de Deux from Firebird.
Filled with inspiration from these two events, over 60 music, dance and drama students opted into the project and worked through the term, together with members of the Campden Festival Orchestra and Chroma Ensemble, to produce an immersive, cross curriculum project around Stravinsky’s The Firebird, which was watched by over 400 of their peers in the wonderful Cidermill Theatre.
Helena Hesketh, Director of Music at Chipping Campden School says:
“Tom Hull inspired the children with his knowledge and great storytelling skills. In particular, the musicians got so much out of being able to sit within a professional orchestra immersed in the sounds around them. What impressed me most was the reaction of the drama and dance students. Some of these were students who have been largely uninterested in music as an academic subject and were all absolutely spellbound.
Talking to the dancers after the event they were so fired up with enthusiasm for the July workshops. One said to me that her head was bursting with ideas as the music was begging to be danced to.
Several of the music students were so taken aback by the sheer power of the music that they immediately asked if they could see the entire concert and it was lovely to see them enjoy the orchestra’s playing in the fabulous setting of the church. For those who wonder question the worth of such events to students, it is the inspiring a life long love of classical music in young people who otherwise might never consider it as an option for them.
We are so lucky to have such an incredible festival in Campden, run by people who understand the importance of music to the developing mind. I’ve bought over 100 students to concerts at the Festival in 2023, and without the £1 ticket offer, this would have been impossible to do.”
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