Seashell’s links with the Hallé Orchestra stretch back over 25 years, and many children and young adults have been able to benefit from this relationship, discovering the wonders of instrumental music
On 14 July, the Hallé welcomed Seashell to their St. Peter’s site for a relaxed concert, offering students and their families the opportunity to experience live instrumental music, in a calm and informal environment with none of the usual rules associated with classical concerts. Students were free to move around, talk and participate in whichever way they wished. There was also the unique chance to interact with Hallé players and hear the array of instruments in close contact.
There was a whole host of melodies played, from Georges Bizet and Tchaikovsky to a special Seashell Song, composed and performed in collaboration with the Hallé and Seashell with a verse specially created for each student.
Members of the orchestra took time to introduce the array of instruments in the orchestra and the types of sound each made, as well as the emotions the composers intended to evoke from each piece. The children and young adults at Seashell experience music by not only hearing, but also feeling the vibrations of strings and percussion, especially those with multisensory impairments.
Seashell Music Teacher, Greg Davies explained: “Communication and social barriers are broken down with music, and this was a tremendous opportunity for all students involved to be able to perform at the Hallé alongside some incredibly talented musicians.”
CEO Brandon Leigh said: “What a wonderful – the collaboration with the orchestra and our Seashell Band was a joy to experience. We are so very grateful to the Hallé for their dedication to empower children and young adults with the most complex disabilities to learn and have fun with music!”
Naomi Benn, Head of Hallé Connect & Holly Randhawa, Community Projects Manager said: “The concert was a truly special occasion, featuring five students who performed alongside the orchestra with their very own ‘Seashell Song’, joined by Hallé Musicians in Residence, Chris Emerson & Christine Davey. Each student had created their own special verse, celebrating them and their favourite things, which flowed into their favourite songs before returning to the ‘Seashell Song’ chorus for everyone to sing. The performance was incredibly moving and joyous, with a lot of support, laughter and applause from the whole audience. Everyone left with huge smiles on their faces. It was a day to treasure and remember for many years to come!”
Photo credit – Alex Burns, The Hallé
