THE MOZARTISTS

The Mozartists, under the dynamic leadership of our conductor and artistic director Ian Page, are leading exponents of the music of Mozart and his contemporaries. Originally called ‘Classical Opera’, we were founded in 1997, and have received widespread international acclaim for our stylish and virtuosic period-instrument orchestra, our imaginative and innovative programming, and our ability to nurture and develop world-class young artists. In 2015 we launched MOZART 250, a ground-breaking 27-year project exploring the chronological trajectory of Mozart’s life, works and influences, hailed as “among the most audacious classical music scheduling ever” (The Observer).

We run an ambitious outreach programme, which seeks to make classical music accessible to children across Ealing. To date we have worked with over 1200 children, including pupils in ARP schools through a new strand of SEND workshops. Alongside our education partner, Ealing Music Service (EMS), we engage with students and teachers across the borough, inspiring them through Mozart’s music, getting them participating directly in their own music-making and fuelling their creativity. The projects give children a unique opportunity to develop their musicianship with leading practitioners, and improve confidence, self-esteem, teamwork and motivation. In addition, we are expanding the programme to increase our provision for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).  Despite the borough’s active music service, there are very few primary schools in Ealing with a specialist music lead, and only one secondary school able to offer music A level. Creative subjects have increasingly been squeezed out of school timetables to make way for a focus on ‘core subjects’, and children have lost out on so much human interaction during the pandemic.

“It was great for their wellbeing. They were also able to listen to a wider range of music than they are normally exposed to. Fantastic workshop! Children and staff thoroughly enjoyed. Great CPD.” – PARTICIPATING TEACHER (2022)

Our animateurs work for a range of leading outreach programmes at various companies, including The Royal Opera House, ENO, Streetwise Opera and English Touring Opera, as well as running a large pre-school operation, and they are able to bring their wide-ranging experience to their work with us. Our participating players have significant experience in the classroom setting, but also work as professional musicians at the highest level, performing internationally on their period instruments. Teachers with whom we have worked in previous years have commented that they have found the project life-changing, and they have noticed a positive impact on the children who have taken part, who develop increased confidence, self-esteem and concentration.

For more information, visit The Mozartists’ website: www.mozartists.com