Venice comes to north London

L\\'Offerta Musicale di Venezia with students

Students from three London schools enjoyed a very special afternoon on Wednesday, when they attended an exclusive concert of Baroque music: JS Bach's - Psalm 51 based on Pergolesi's Stabat Mater - performed by The Venice Chamber Orchestra, L'Offerta Musicale di Venezia, conducted by Riccardo Parravicini with Miranda Heldt, soprano and Elena Traversi contralto.

The concert, at Our Lady Help of Christians church in Kentish Town, came at the end of an exciting two weeks in which the musicians and singers worked with classes at La Sainte Union school in Highgate, Notre Dame, Southwark and St Patrick's, Kentish Town.

Monica Beltrami, from L'Offerta Musicale, explained: "This is something we've been doing in Italy for eight years now - but its our first experience in England. Our idea is to give young people a chance to get as close as possible to the musicians and the music. To teach them how to listen. Its different from what you hear when you are in an audience."

One student from Notre Dame school told ICN: "We've had an unforgettable time. When you get know the musicians and see them working together its really inspiring."

La Sainte Union teacher Tom Dobney said: "Its been an absolutely beautiful experience. A wonderful opportunity to hear some really high class performers." He said his students were all preparing for their GCSE music exams and the two weeks had given them a very rich grounding in the subject. "We will certainly do this again," he said.

One of the younger students, Kira Leighton from St Patricks in Kentish Town, (who celebrated her 10th birthday yesterday), came with her mother Gillian. She said she loved meeting the musicians and singers.

The orchestra has a busy schedule. That evening they went on to Holborn where they gave a very well-received performance for Caritas at St Anselm & St Cecilia's, The work of L'Offerta Musicale is being promoted by Ad Parnassum led by artist Maria-Lisa Geyer.

For more information see: www.facebook.com/adparnassumproductions/info?tab=page_info

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