DNEAT MAT News

An incredible line up of worldwide cultural music concerts with musicians and artists from Bulgaria, India, Venezuela, Zimbabwe and the Middle East are set to take place over a two-week period beginning with artist Luzmira Zerpa and Cawston Church of England Primary Academy on 28^th February at The Halls, St Andrew’s, Norwich.

Supported with funding from Arts Council England, the artists will be taking their enriching concerts to another level by including five Norfolk schools in their productions within the cultural education outreach programme led up by Music Worldwide.

Organiser, Mr Gary Newland of Music Worldwide said: “For each of the six concerts we are connecting the artists from Venezuela, India, Bulgaria, Zimbabwe and the Middle East with Years Six and Seven children with five Norfolk schools. The aim is to let children explore both their own identity and that of individuals from other cultures and the opportunity to perform with them on stage. The lessons with their teachers and artists will work to develop an understanding of the music, art and culture of different communities that have settled in our region. The project is very much about enriching young people’s understanding and belonging within a multi-cultural society.’’  

The goal is to help pupils build understanding and common identities beyond the traditional divides of nation, race and faith. The musical performance aspect of the course is vital to the immersive element of this program but these concerts are also supplemented with five complementary lessons which meet OFSTED’s British Values specifications as well as contextualise their learning so that it can be applied into real world scenarios.

Mr Newland said: “This is particularly important in areas where population demographics are less diverse, and children may not have had the opportunity to engage with those from different heritages. Our vision is to help in the formation of a respectful, tolerant and open-minded younger generation.”

Mrs Sharon Brett, Head of School at Cawston Church of England Primary Academy, part of the Diocese of Norwich Education and Academies Trust said: “This is fabulous opportunity for our Year 6’s.  It will be such a memorable, unique experience that they will remember for a long time.”

Mrs Sam McCann, Year 2/3 Teacher and Arts Lead of Cawston Church of England Primary Academy, part of the Diocese of Norwich Education and Academies Trust said: “Our school feels very fortunate to be involved in such a project which came about through a conversation with Abi Marrison at Festival Bridge when discussing our intent to gain the Artsmark.

“Abi mentioned this collaboration between The Arts Council and Gary Newland at Music Worldwide and our school put in a bid stating how our school would love to be involved in such a culturally diverse project.  Our children have limited opportunities to share and learn about culturally diverse experiences at a local level.  To be able to connect through the expressive arts and break down barriers in this immersive experience is such an exciting opportunity.”

She added: “Our children and teachers cannot wait to learn her culture and perform with Luzmira Zerpa.”

Luzmira is a prolific Venezuelan singer/songwriter based in the UK who has performed internationally as a solo artist and toured extensively throughout Europe with her band Family Atlantica. She has performed at prestigious venues including the Royal Albert Hall, the Royal Festival Hall and the Elbphailarmonie (Hamburg) as well as festivals  including Glastonbury Festival, Womad and the World Music Festival in Udaipur, India.

To book tickets to the Luzmira Zerpa Ensemble visit https://norwichtheatre.org/whats-on/the-luzmira-zerpa-ensemble/book/197801.

Luzmira Zerpa LUZMIRA ZERPA ENCOUNTERS 2 – YouTube

You can see the full line up of cultural music concerts on the link below, if you wish to go along with any of your children: https://www.musicworldwide.co.uk/concerts.asp