Hundreds of children from Bedford, Dunstable, Luton and Milton Keynes will be attending orchestral concerts thanks to Music for Bedford Borough and Orchestras Live.

Children from schools across four areas will be attending performances of The Wish where they’ll get a chance to meet a composer and take part in the concert whilst listening to professional orchestra Sinofonia Verdi.

The Wish is an interactive orchestral piece that introduces children to orchestral instruments in a vivid way. Written by John K. Miles and presented by Claire Henry, this new piece is very participatory with elements of theatre and singing. The aim of the project is to inspire more children to learn an orchestral instrument! Several advanced young musicians from the local areas will join Sinfonia Verdi on stage, gaining experience of performing alongside professional players whilst acting as role models for the young audiences.

Stuart Bruce, Partnership Manager of Orchestras Live, said: “The Wish has been enjoyed by many children in the last couple of years, and this year’s tour is the biggest yet. I’m really looking forward to seeing the excited young audiences as they help our presenters to fix the broken orchestra machine!”

Two performances will be held at each venue, as follows:

• Tuesday 30 April Grove Theatre, Dunstable (11.45 & 13.45)
• Tuesday 7 May Corn Exchange, Bedford (11.00 & 13.30)
• Wednesday 8 May UK Centre for Carnival Arts, Luton (11.00 & 13.30)
• Thursday 9 May Ridgeway Centre, Milton Keynes (11.00 & 13.30)

In advance of the tour, Claire Henry and John K Miles will be visiting more than 30 Primary schools to help prepare children for the concert experience.

Further information please contact Stuart Bruce, Partnership Manager, Orchestras Live tel: 020 7520 1494 stuart@orchestraslive.org.uk