CENTRE FOR YOUNG MUSICIANS (CYM)
Launches 50th Anniversary Appeal, Young at Heart
Wednesday 10th June at 7.00pm
cym.org.uk
“I loved that feeling of being part of an orchestra or a band, or even the smallest quintet,
knowing that you’ve just performed a piece and made beautiful music. That feeling and
the sense of confidence it gives you is unique.”
Naga Munchetty (journalist and broadcaster)
Thwarted in its plans to present a 50th anniversary concert at the Barbican, the
Centre for Young Musicians (CYM) will launch its anniversary appeal online at
7.00pm on Wednesday 10th June. Young at Heart, is a £1 million appeal to
enable 1000 musically talented young Londoners to have a high-class music
education that would not otherwise be possible. The online Gala will be
streamed live on: cym.org.uk
In celebration of CYM’s 50th year, Young at Heart will launch with contributions
from past alumni including Vincent Lindsey-Clark, one of CYM’s first students
and now on the faculty, as well as former students: Christopher Warren-Green,
John Lenehan, Vashti Hunter and Django Bates. The 90-minute presentation
will also feature video material from 50 current CYM students. The ‘live’ Gala
has been postponed until January 11th when CYM will join forces with its sister
group – London Schools Symphony Orchestra (LSSO) – which is celebrating its
70th anniversary.
The Centre for Young Musicians’ Saturday Centre has provided over 400
students a year tutoring from leading London musicians since 1970. For this
term, all 450 of CYM’s weekly classes – 1 to 1 instrumental lessons, ensemble
know-how, choral classes and musicianship – have moved on-line in an
impressive display of determination, organisational skills and lateral thinking.
Initially supported by the ILEA and free to all talented musicians within the
area, CYM is now part of the Guildhall School’s offer for musicians under the
age of 18.
Working in partnership with London Music Hubs and the Department for
Education, Geoff Harniess has been the head of CYM since 2015 and a
mainstay of the organisation for the previous 13 years. The Foundation for
Young Musicians (FYM) – CYM’s supporting charity – provides assistance with
fees as appropriate to individual cases in the belief that music education
should be available to all, irrespective of means to pay, privilege or chance.
The cost for a year’s tuition at CYM is approximately £2000. To date FYM has
raised in excess of £10 million to enable young Londoners access to high
quality music education.
CYM Saturday Centre meets for 32 weeks of the school year and caters for
young musicians aged 5 to 18, 80% of whom attend state schools,
Performance opportunities continue over the holiday period through the
London Schools Symphony Orchestra (London’s premier youth orchestra),
London Schools Chamber Orchestra and the London Youth Wind Band all
managed by CYM. Junior and intermediate level students also have access to
the CYM Summer Music Course and short courses for students taking Grade 5
Centre for Young Musicians 50th Anniversary: 2
theory and GCSE music. The highlights of the performing year are the CYM
Chamber Concert and Annual Showcase Concert.
CYM@50 will present 50
performances from current
students and distinguished alumni
covering a fantastic range of
musical styles, instruments and
voices. Students taking part range
in age from 7 to 18 years old, from
those on the Primary Years
Programme to those about to
continue their musical studies at
conservatoires and universities.
The evening will be introduced by
former CYM student, now journalist
and broadcaster, Naga Munchetty.
During the “interval” she will
interview conductor, violinist and
former-CYM/LSSO student,
Christopher Warren-Green. Christopher explains CYM’s contribution to his
extraordinary musical career and to conducting the three most recent Royal
weddings.
Streamed live at: cym.org.uk via Youtube.