Musical inspiration for the county’s school children

OXFORDSHIRE County Council’s Central Music School Sinfonia are set to perform two concerts at Oxford’s famous Sheldonian Theatre in front of hundreds of county schoolchildren in an effort to encourage them to learn an instrument.

The 1,500 pupils from 25 schools will hear several well-known pieces of music, including Rodeo by Copland, Holst’s Jupiter from The Planets and several movements from the Enigma Variations by Elgar, on Friday January 30.

The twice-yearly concerts are designed to introduce young children to the instruments of an orchestra. Staff at Oxfordshire County Council’s Music Service believe that the excitement of watching such concerts inspire children to play an instrument.

Inspiration for youngsters

Councillor Jim Couchman, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Social and Community Services, said: “The Sheldonian Theatre is a fantastic building and an apt place for these concerts to be performed. I am sure that both audiences and performers will have a wonderful time.

“For many of the children involved it will be the first time that they have been to a concert. I hope that the passion of the music and the excitement of the experience will inspire them to become young musicians.”