Hundreds of schoolchildren join orchestral group in performance about Cornish giant

Hundreds of schoolchildren join orchestral group in performance about Cornish giant

Six hundred Cornish schoolchildren, musicians from the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and a withy giant have created a magical performance at the Eden Project.

The 21 primary schools came together yesterday (Thursday, May 19) to perform the story of Bodelva: The Giant who Helped With Eden, written and narrated by Angie Butler with music by Peter Bone.

Schoolchildren taking part in a performance with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra at the Eden Project

It was organised by Cornwall Learning Music, Resonate from the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and Kernow Education Arts Partnership.

The children began with a procession to the Eden Arena led by a willow giant created by Lanlivery County Primary School and artist Reg Payn.

Sam Kendall, Eden’s school programme manager, said: “It was a spectacular scene with all the children waving their school banners, singing the giant’s song, and playing their cellos, violins, ukuleles and guitars. Everyone loved the performance.”

Cornwall Learning Music teachers worked with the children through their Wider Opportunities music lessons to create the musical event.

Andy Baker, the BSO’s nationwide community musician, said: “None of these children have been learning their instruments for more than a year, and the performance they have given is just incredible. So much hard work has gone into this.”

Karen Frost, string team leader from Cornwall Music Service said: “We have had so much fun with this project. The opportunity for the children to play in this venue, on this scale, with all these great musicians will inspire them to keep playing music.”

Schools performing were: Gorran, Tregony, Duloe, Lanlivery, Liskeard Hillfort, Tregadillett, St Day & Carharrack, Newlyn, Nancledra, Werrington, Launceston, Goonhavern, St. Minver, Boscastle, St Teath, St Breward, Egloskerry, Kea, St Issy, Kehelland and Calstock.

This project is part of the Arts Offer to schools from Cornwall Learning, delivered by KEAP, and represents the second year of a partnership with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra in Cornwall supported by the Steel Charitable Trust and The Radcliffe Trust.

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