Royal Albert Hall appointed as strategic partner for music education
4 May, 2012
Press Release
Royal Albert Hall appointed as strategic partner for music education
Arts Council announces National Plan for music education
London, 4 May 2012: Iconic UK venue and charity the Royal Albert Hall has been appointed by the Arts Council to develop music education strategy for Westminster, Kensington & Chelsea and Hammersmith & Fulham schools. The appointment will see the venue partner with the Royal College of Music and the Aurora Orchestra and the Tri-boroughs in shaping the way music is taught in over 150 schools.
The Royal Albert Hall is to be a strategic leader in the west London partnership ensuring that every child aged 5-18 has the opportunity to sing and learn a musical instrument, develop their skills, and to play with other children as part of an ensemble or choir.
Lucy Noble, Head of Education and Programming at the Hall commented: “We’re extremely honoured to be appointed in this role, and we see it as a great responsibility. Music is obviously an area that everyone at the Royal Albert Hall is extremely passionate about, and we look forward to instilling some of that passion in the education programmes we develop with our partners.”
The appointment is further endorsement of the Hall’s ongoing commitment to provide innovative and inclusive music education programmes for all. The Royal Albert Hall is already a major sponsor of Music for Youth throughout the country and continues to grow its commitment to engaging with partners to champion youth music and support young people who might otherwise have little opportunity to experience live performance.
Over £171 million of funding will be invested in 122 hubs across the UK, with each being responsible for their local area. The appointments come after an announcement in January from Secretary of State for Education, Michael Gove, stating that councils will no longer shoulder sole responsibility for the development of education programmes in music.
The new hubs will see a significant shift in the way music education has been delivered to date, both in and out of school. Organisations including schools, professional music organisations, higher and further education institutions and other Arts Council funded organisations working in a local area will be coming together to create integrated music education provision for children and young people. It is unprecedented for a venue to be involved in strategically planning music education in schools and it’s a very exciting and dynamic prospect for the Hall to provide influence in the future of music in the United Kingdom.
ENDS
For all enquiries please contact Good Relations:
Nicola Hamilton 020 7861 3189 / nhamilton@goodrelations.co.uk
Khaled Khawaja 020 7861 3162 / KKhawaja@goodrelations.co.uk
For the Royal Albert Hall please contact:
Sean Carrigan 020 7959 0531/ seanc@royalalberthall.com
Michelle Aland 020 7959 0506/ michellea@royalalberthall.com
About Royal Albert Hall
The Royal Albert Hall is the world’s most famous stage. Its breathtaking auditorium hosts over 370 shows a year by the world’s greatest artists. The magical atmosphere combined with inspired artists creates legendary events. Opened in 1871 as part of Prince Albert’s vision for a centre for the Arts and Sciences, and a registered charity operating without public funding, it remains true to his founding ambitions within a modern context. Extending the brand with over 120 events in the state-of-the-art Elgar Room, the Hall has broadened its appeal to younger, diverse audiences whilst still engaging its existing customers. It also works extensively with schools and young people through its Education programme, reaching over 30,000 participants each year.
For more information, please visit www.royalalberthall.com
Royal College of Music http://www.rcm.ac.uk/
Aurora Orchestra http://www.auroraorchestra.com/