Children are learning to play music from all over the world at Hammersmith’s Lyric Theatre thanks to a new academy.
Musiko Musika runs its World Music Academy after school and weekends at the theatre’s new Reuben Foundation Wing.
The academy uses music to enable young people to learn new skills, build confidence and learn about each other’s cultural backgrounds with its workshops and Ethnic Contemporary Classical Orchestras. The sessions are run by professional musicians on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays and all are welcome, from absolute beginners to experienced players.
Musiko Musika was formed by musicians Mauricio Venegas-Astorga of Chile and Rachel Pantin of the UK in 1998. As well as the Lyric, the charity also runs ensembles in Barnet and Mill Hill.
Rachel said: “We believe that music is a powerful tool for people to feel confident and secure in their own cultural identities, and a positive space for people to express themselves.
“It’s very important that our workshops are accessible to everyone in the community. Music is a way of bringing people together. For somewhere as diverse as London, it’s a really good way for people to explore their own cultural identities and share them with others in a really positive way.”
There are different groups for two to five-year-olds, eight to 16 year-olds and 14 to 18-year-olds.
Classes and workshops cost £3.50 per session. To take part you must be a Lyric Young Company member, which costs a one-off payment of £10.
Visit www.lyric.co.uk, email info@musikomusika.org or call the Lyric Box Office on 020 8741 6850 to find out more.