Leeds Conservatoire and the Red Violin Festival are excited to offer a unique, free musical event in Leeds, welcoming violinists of all ages and skill levels.
Whether you’re a complete beginner or an advanced player, you’re invited to participate. On Saturday, 19 October, a flashmob of one hundred violinists, featuring the internationally acclaimed classical soloist Madeleine Mitchell, will take place at Trinity Leeds, surprising shoppers with their performance. The event will begin with a morning rehearsal at Leeds Conservatoire’s specialist facilities. This will be followed by a series of pop-up performances throughout lunchtime at the shopping centre, located in the bustling heart of the city.
For this special occasion, ‘The Folk of the Red Planet,’ a unique multi-violin piece, has been composed by James Gerrard, a Leeds Conservatoire alumnus. The piece draws inspiration from Gustav Holst’s ‘The Planets’ and incorporates elements from The B-52s’ ‘Planet Claire’ and the iconic 1970s Martian adverts for Cadbury’s Smash, creating a playful and engaging musical experience. The piece is made up of five parts of varying difficulties so there is a part for everybody.
Caroline Hallam, Strategic Partnerships Manager at Leeds Conservatoire said:
“Leeds Conservatoire is delighted to be partnering with the Red Violin festival and a fantastic creative team to bring people across Leeds together for this exciting and unique performance. This collaboration is about opening doors to creative opportunities, delighting audiences with the unexpected and celebrating the vibrant, creative spirit of our city. Dig out your violins and get involved!”
Helen Harrison, recognised as one of the leading conductors in the country for her work with young people and emerging musicians, will be leading the performances, Helen added:
“The HundRED violin flashmob project is such a brilliant way to bring the joy of the Red Violin festival right into the heart of Leeds’ vibrant city centre for everyone to enjoy. The specially written piece gives The Red Planet violinists a chance to get involved and make music together – whether they’ve picked up the violin for the very first time or an extremely expert violinist. Personally speaking, I can’t wait to lead such a cool flashmob and my red shoes are at the ready.”
Leeds Conservatoire, nestled in the heart of Leeds, stands as a prestigious institution known for nurturing some of the finest talents in the music and performing arts industry. Established in 1965, the conservatoire has evolved from its origins as a music college to become a comprehensive hub of artistic creativity, offering degrees not just in music but also in film, drama, and performing arts.
Leeds Conservatoire’s alumni network is impressive, with many former students going on to achieve international acclaim. The institution maintains strong industry connections, offering students opportunities to engage with professionals through masterclasses, guest lectures, and placement programs. These connections provide invaluable insights into the professional world, preparing students for successful careers in the arts.
As Leeds Conservatoire continues to grow, it remains dedicated to innovation and excellence in arts education. With a forward-thinking approach and a commitment to developing the artists of tomorrow, Leeds Conservatoire not only contributes to the cultural fabric of Leeds but also influences the global arts scene. Leeds Conservatoire and the Red Violin festival are grateful to the Leche Trust for their generous support of this project.
Leeds Conservatoire, a premier institution specializing in music and performing arts education, has partnered with The Red Violin festival, a creative celebration of the violin in the arts. Together, they invite you to participate in a distinctive and unforgettable musical event www.leedsconservatoire.ac.uk
