Manchester Vivaldi Project

These workshops delivered in December 2024 formed part of a larger project, connected with our concert 'Summer Vivaldi' performed in July 2024. Four of our Fellows worked with 240 children in a cross-arts project, exploring how the Vivaldi manuscripts, now housed in Manchester Library came to be in their home city. Through the leadership of our Learning Manager Gemma Ashcroft, our early-career Fellows worked with children from 8 classes from across the school. The children took part in composition activities, explored the heritage through theatre and storytelling and created art works inspired by the story and music. They also watched an interactive concert by Manchester Baroque musicians, introducing Vivaldi's Four Seasons and the special instruments they play.

Feedback from the school

  • 'The music workshop was excellent - all the musicians interacted well with the children and made the workshop accessible and engaging to all children'

    Year 4 teacher

  • 'It was exciting because we learnt about different instruments'

    Year 4 child

  • 'It was creative, the style of music, the pitch and different types of instruments, the cello, the old and modern flute and the old and modern violin.'

    Year 4 pupil

  • 'I liked that they did lots of fun things and they taught everyone and I'm sure I'm not the only one who learnt lots of things.'

    Year 5 pupil

  • 'I enjoyed the part when we made the ribbons'.

    Year 5 pupil

  • ' The whole day was really well managed and organised, the staff managed the behaviour very well, all the children fully engaged in the activities, they were enjoyable, purposeful and accessible to all children.'

    Year 5 teacher