About Samling - Achievements - Outreach

Northumberland

Outreach 2011 saw pupils from seven schools in Northumberland working and performing alongside five Samling Scholars – all graduates of Samling’s internationally recognised Masterclass programme for young classical singers and pianists – and the eight-piece Berkeley Ensemble. They were engaged in a range of activities including presentations and workshops, song-writing and composition.

The climax of the project, supported by the Gillian Dickinson Trust, was a performance in Hexham Abbey on Thursday 31 March.

"Pupils have had the opportunity to work alongside vibrant and talented individuals, see them work together as a group, stand as excellent role models, and motivate and inspire other young people... To see children and young people from 8 - 18 from our schools sharing the experience was fantastic."
Maggie Anderson OBE, Headteacher, Sele First School, Hexham

Cumbria

In May 2010 the Berkeley Ensemble joined five Samling Scholars - Sung Eun Seo, Melis Jaatinen, John Pumphrey, Richard Latham and James Baillieu - working in and outside the school environment. This project focused on Queen Elizabeth Comprehensive School and St Mary's CE Primary School, Kirkby Lonsdale.

In a new strand to the Outreach programme, composition workshops took place with GCSE music students seeing their works performed by the professional musicians and recorded. The residency culminated in a public concert, 'Inspired!’ in St Mary's Parish Church.

Durham

In 2008 and 2009 Samling Outreach was based in Durham, working with seven schools (primary and secondary) over two years. The programme culminated in two public performances conducted by Simon Over at Durham Gala Theatre. The two week-long series of workshops, presentations and performances involved ten Samling Scholars and Britain's young professional orchestra, Southbank Sinfonia.

"...buzzing with delight following the wonderful experience given to our pupils and parents... The talent displayed by your singers and orchestra working with our children has been amazing."
Mrs J Katsambis, Headteacher, St Hild's College CE Aided Primary School, Durham

"I am sure you have inspired loads of children including me. I loved it when you were interacting with the audience."
Pupil, aged 12, Belmont Community School, Durham

"I never used to like that sort of performance but now I've seen you I do. I love it."
Sam, Belmont Community School

Northumberland

Since 2004 Samling has worked with Southbank Sinfonia, Britain's orchestral academy, to provide opportunities for schools to take part in workshops, rehearse and perform alongside professional musicians. Our projects in the Tyne Valley in 2004 and 2005 also included work with visual artists and choreographers.

In 2006 Samling brought Southbank Sinfonia and Samling Scholars to work together with Northumberland school students with a concert on Friday 22nd September in Hall One at The Sage Gateshead.

The concert followed three days of workshops and rehearsals in the participating schools. Taking part were our partners in the project Southbank Sinfonia and its director Simon Over, four Samling Scholars - Pumeza Matshikiza, Anna Stéphany, Nicky Spence and Njabulo Thabiso Madlala - Newcastle Choral Society, choreographer Lucy Hudson and children and students from Queen Elizabeth High School, St. Joseph's RC Middle School and Sele First School in Hexham and Corbridge C of E First School.

"I loved singing the African and Northumbrian songs and mixing with the children from other schools".
Rachel, aged 8   

"It has been a thrilling journey and I've really enjoyed learning the African Songs and working with the singers. It has inspired me to carry on with my singing."
George, aged 12

"It's been an amazing experience to work with such a friendly and professional orchestra… It's been hard work but well worth it and has changed my perception about classical music."
Student, Queen Elizabeth High School, Hexham