A relaxed afternoon of music was had by all when the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) visited Crawley recently.
The RPO, a partner of Sussex Music Hub, put on a relaxed performance at the Charis Centre in Crawley on Saturday 21 March, presented in partnership with Creative Crawley.
Led by the energetic and entertaining Tim Steiner, the musical performance consisted of well-known classical works, games, songs, and audience participation. Everyone who came was aware they could experience the event in any way that worked for them.
Fidgeting was fine, chill out spaces were ready and the event, specially designed for people who find traditional concerts challenging to attend, including adults and children with learning disabilities, movement disorders, sensory impairments, autistic spectrum disorder, dementia and other neurological conditions, or those with young children or babies were made to feel welcome.
There were opportunities to sing, dance and move about, or be still and dream.
At the end of the concert, a range of activities was available, led by RPO musicians to enable audience members to get even closer to the instruments and the musicians.
Alison Sutton, Assistant Head at West Sussex Music, who leads their Orchestras Inc., a fully inclusive music programme for young people with additional needs, was at the event. She said, “I’m so grateful to RPO and Creative Crawley for bring the Relaxed Concert to West Sussex. The whole event felt very joyful and inclusive. It was great to see so many people there enjoying the music in the way that worked best for them We know the positive impact that live music has on well-being. I’ve even come away with a few ideas for future Orchestra’s Inc. sessions!”
For information on Orchestras Inc, and other events coming up organised by West Sussex Music partners, go here.
