Strong local presence in Ryedale

The Foundation is building links with the Ryedale Festival, which brings world class musicians to North Yorkshire for more than 70 concerts each year. The festival’s Artistic Director, Christopher Glynn, will advise the Foundation, and explore ways in which the top-level artists who perform at the festival can also visit local schools to inspire the performers, composers and audiences of the future. There are also plans for the two organisations to collaborate on Community Operas, giving local young people and their families a unique opportunity to take part in high-quality, live music making alongside professional soloists and production teams.

Work in areas of deprivation

We plan to start our work with projects in Ryedale and Middlesbrough – two disparate areas of North Yorkshire with significant social problems. Middlesbrough, on some measures, is the most deprived area of England: one in three children live in poverty. The effects of Covid-19 have been especially severe. Middlesbrough is also the most ethnically diverse area of North Yorkshire, with 26% of school-age children of BAME ethnicity. Ryedale, though outstandingly beautiful, suffers from rural isolation, fuel poverty, and considerable child poverty.

Close links with leading academics

Because we will be working with schools over a number of years, there is an exceptional opportunity to conduct longitudinal research studies which will demonstrate the difference that music can make. We are establishing an Advisory Panel of leading psychologists and psychobiologists to scope and oversee research projects, so that the value of music can be conclusively demonstrated.

World music

The children we support will come from many different ethnic and cultural backgrounds with a multiplicity of musical traditions. We want to give children the widest possible experience of world music, not only for its own value but also to improve appreciation and understanding of different cultures.

Help for children with disabilities

We plan to establish a specialist centre in York where children with physical or mental disabilities can experience and enjoy music. Assistive technology can translate movement into sound and colours - opening a new world of experience even for children with severe disabilities.

Website resources and social media

Children are digital natives, and we will meet their needs through online resources and through carefully monitored social media. Our website developers have experience of operating an interactive social media website for vulnerable people and know what protocols are needed.

High-profile supporters

Sir Mark Elder, Sir Patrick Stewart, Isata Kanneh-Masonand Alexander Armstrong have agreed to become Patrons of the Foundation. Lynne Dawson, Head of the School of Vocal Studies and Opera at the Royal Northern College of Music, is a Trustee and will enable students to take part in classroom workshops.