Symphonize
Our flagship fusion project for young people is based in Leicester.
For the last 5 years, Symphonize has empowered young people through intensive, collaborative working which taps into their passion for popular music and technology whilst offering an opportunity to explore different musical styles and approaches.
“Symphonize 2019 to me is about being all together. We’re just working on it together and going through it together so we’re not all alone.”
Symphonize participant, 2019
About the project
Symphonize is a pioneering fusion project collaborating with teenagers facing challenging circumstances.
We work in partnership with Soft Touch Arts, the award-winning Leicester charity that uses arts, media and music activities to inspire and engage young people who lack opportunities or have challenges in their lives. The project enables a selected group of young people to work as equals alongside an artistic team of Philharmonia musicians, Soft Touch hip-hop, reggae and dub producers and spoken word artists. Together participants compose, produce, record and perform original, cross-genre music.
Working in targeted areas of Leicester, the partnership offers training in performance, music technology, recording, production and composition with experienced professionals. We aim to equip young people with new skills, increased confidence and social connection, broader horizons and motivation.
The project includes:
Training for leaders, musicians and young mentors, including skill-sharing and exchanging experiences.
Outreach ‘taster’ workshops with up to 50 participants aged 11 to 19, with Philharmonia musicians and Soft Touch hip-hop, reggae and dub producers.
An intensive project with specialised workshops to compose, produce, record and perform live an original work blending classical repertoire and style with the beats and grooves of hip hop, reggae, dub and other genres.
An associated video project to create and manipulate visual content inspired by the work of the musicians and the themes of the performance.
Continued support in instrumental learning through Leicester-Shire Schools Music Service.
We are currently fundraising for our next Symphonize project and plans are underway to expand the project to Kent from the 2020/21 season.
For more information about the Philharmonia’s work with community groups and families and how to get involved, please contact Lucinda Al-Zoghbi, Learning & Engagement Project Manager on 020 7921 3910 or lucinda.alzoghbi@philharmonia.co.uk.
Supporters
Previous supporters of Symphonize include:
