Lontano Education and Community

Connections 2011 In September last year, our exciting new pilot project, 'Connections', began in four primary schools in Greenwich and Southwark, funded by Youth Music. Through a series of workshops, two hundred and forty primary school children will be learning about Gypsy Roma music, history and culture. The project aims to improve the school environment for Gypsy Roma students and families and encourage better understanding and awareness of Gypsy Roma and Traveller culture within their school community. The first phase of the project ended in two school assemblies, where students shared their work with their school and families. The project continues this term and will culminate in an exciting performance at the Museum of Childhood on 22nd March, 2012 at 1.00pm. Come and join us! Read more...

An Olympiad of Sweet Sounds 2011 involved students from ten primary, secondary and special needs schools in Waltham Forest. Learning about the Olympic Games from its origin in Ancient Greece to the last London Olympics in 1948, to inspire the creation of music, movement and verse. After eight weeks of creative workshops with three musicians, two final performance were held on 13th July 2011, at Walthamstow Assembly Hall and on 15th July 2011, at Epicentre (as part of the Leytonstone Festival).

Voices for Youth 2010 On 22nd March 2010 Walthamstow Assembly Hall housed the final performance of Lontano's 'Voices of Youth' project. Pupils from five schools in Higham Hill and William Morris areas of Waltham Forest, led by Lontano's professional musicians and composers, had created original pieces during a six-week series of workshops.

Education work linked to concerts

Lontano performances have often run in tandem with educational projects and workshops. Spirit Child by Jenni Roditi was supported by a very successful education project with Hackney schools.

On 2nd February, 2012 Lontano premiered the fantastic new opera by Nicola Lefanu, Dream Hunter, at Wiltons Music Hall in East London. Students from local secondary schools attended the final rehearsal of the event, and were lucky enough to hear Nicola herself introduce the opera and answer their questions. The opera was well received with great applause for the ensemble and singers and the shout of praise 'you're awesome'. The students were amazed at the stamina of both the players and the singers during the performance.

Kings College - Ensemble in Residence

Lontano has been ensemble in residence at Kings College, London, since 1995, rehearsing and performing works of undergraduate and postgraduate composers. This kind of detailed work allows many of the students to hear their compositions live for the first time and offers the opportunity for thorough interaction between composer and performer. We are delighted to be continuing this work this year with students throughout March and wish them all luck in their studies this year.

Saturday Morning Music Group

The Lontano Saturday Morning Music Group is free for local families attending schools in Waltham Forest. It takes place on Saturday mornings during term time at Whittingham primary school in Waltham Forest and involves local families. Lontano invites local residents to this lovely group, whether you have never played music or are an experienced musician. Currently the group awaits more funding to continue. Currently the group is seeking more funding to continue. If you are interested in joining the Saturday Morning Music Group and would like to put your name on the waiting list please write to cassie.tait@gmail.com