The programme was developed in 2012 as part of the Beethoven Journey with Leif Ove Andsnes, tying in with Beethoven’s hearing loss. Since then, projects have been carried out in over 10 countries and each workshop has been very enriching for both the children and the MCO musicians. The ongoing interest of promoters and schools for the deaf has allowed Feel the Music to live on after the conclusion of the Beethoven Journey in 2015.
With Feel the Music the MCO aims to make a difference, setting an international example for inviting and integrating deaf people into the music world. We hope to inspire many more musicians, ensembles and promoters to create such opportunities for the deaf.
We invite you to discover more about Feel the Music in our podcast episode with Paul Whittaker, here.
HOW IT WORKS
Feel the Music projects are conducted with schools for the deaf during selected MCO concert tours and include two interactive workshops:
In the first, deaf musician Paul Whittaker and orchestra musicians visit the participants and introduce their instruments. Through rhythm games and by trying out the instruments themselves, the participants have the opportunity to make music and are invited to discover sounds, vibrations, and other sensations.
In the next session, the participants visit the concert hall, where the day starts with a warm-up session of games or a short session with the soloist or conductor. Afterwards, the participants meet the full orchestra and take their seats amongst the musicians on the stage. While the orchestra plays selected music, the participants can physically feel the vibrations and sounds. Some are able to conduct the orchestra and discover how the musicians respond to their cues and movements. The participants later attend the MCO’s concert with their teachers or families.
PROJECT PARTNERS
Feel the Music has been carried out with a number of the MCO’s Artistic Partners and collaborators, including Daniel Harding, Leif Ove Andsnes, and Yuja Wang. Paul Whittaker, founder of the British organisation Music and the Deaf, serves as an adviser and coach, bringing his extensive experience in musical activities with deaf people. The project is carried out in collaboration with concert halls and promoters across Europe.
In 2014 a festival project brought together 50 children at the Beethovenfest Bonn. To learn more about the Feel the Music Festival, please click here.
The sustained interest from promoters and schools for the deaf has allowed Feel the Music to continue. We are dedicated to developing further projects worldwide, fostering international collaboration among partner schools, and promoting innovative approaches to deaf music education. We hope to inspire many more musicians, ensembles, and promoters to create such opportunities.
Please contact us if you would like further information: : +49 30 41 71 79 – 0 or by e-mail at contact@mahlerchamber.com
