WALTHAMSTOW ACOUSTIC MASSIVE
EAST WINDS
In 2017 we created and ran a unique cultural exchange programme for young musicians from two very different parts of the UK.
Supported by Arts Council England, Creative Scotland and The Leche Trust, East Winds gave six young violinists from London the opportunity to spend time in Scotland with six young fiddlers from The Shetland Islands.
Over 10 months, the young musicians, aged 12-14, all from extremely different social backgrounds and environments swapped roles, spent time in each other’s habitats, shared experiences, music and lifestyles. They kept in regular contact throughout the project.
The project explored Indian and contemporary classical and traditional music and culminated in them developing a short repertoire and devising an original piece of music. This was performed in two concerts on Shetland and three in London.
AN INCREDIBLE JOURNEY
LONDON GROUP VISITS SHETLAND
The first residency took place in Shetland and was a huge success. The six London students were hosted by the Shetland youngsters and their families all with the common bond of the violin or fiddle. The young musicians took part in workshops, rehearsals and concerts exploring Indian, classical, improvisation and traditional music, guided by Shapeshifter artistic director Alison Jones and other professional tutors. The residency developed a new repertoire, intertwined with film and stories about their experiences, which was first performed at Mareel, Lerwick and Cullivoe Hall in Yell.
SHETLAND GROUP VISITS LONDON
During the second residency in London, the group enjoyed three days of intensive rehearsals, workshops and masterclasses. The Shetland tutors were joined by guest tutor, Calina De La Mare, who led a classical improvisation workshop with a silent movie. The week culminated in performances at CrossRail Roof Garden, Canary Wharf, The Bhavan Centre, Kensington and Rich Mix, Shoreditch. Their programme was curated by Tomorrow’s Warriors and Serious. All students completed their Bronze Arts Awards during this project.
