Julian Lloyd-Webber

Cambridgeshire Music has been providing opportunities for children to learn and play music for many years but has big plans for a new collaboration with artist-in-residence at the Corn Exchange, Julian Lloyd Webber

‘We are all about enabling children and young people to make music whatever the style, whether it’s in a band, choir, orchestra or class,’ says Matthew Gunn, Head of Cambridgeshire Music.

The council’s music service works across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough providing classes in over 30 types of instrument (that can often be borrowed free of charge), music therapy and even offering help finding local bands to join. More than just a hobby, some evidence suggests children benefit from getting involved in music in a variety of ways including improved maths and language development.

‘We are very excited about Julian Lloyd Webber becoming artist-in-residence at the Corn Exchange,’ says Matthew, ‘It is early days but we are hoping to organise workshops and masterclasses to give local children the chance to learn the cello, meet Julian and get his advice on musicianship and careers in the industry.’

Julian, brother of Andrew Lloyd Webber, is an internationally renowned cellist and took up his three-year post at the Corn Exchange in October.

‘Cambridge is steeped in musical history, and the Corn Exchange gives people the opportunity to experience live music by some of the very best symphony and chamber orchestras in the world today,’ said Julian.

‘Because it’s such a new position for me I don’t have too many set ideas about how exactly it will develop, but as artist-in-residence, I plan to add to this rich mix by performing recitals, holding pre-concert talks and working closely with Cambridgeshire Music to ensure that more and more young people benefit from what great music has to offer.’

Sharing music with children is clearly important to Julian, who is also chairman of In Harmony, a community development programme aimed at using music to bring positive change to the lives of very young children in some of the most deprived areas of England.

‘I often find young people are most receptive to my music. Music is a great way of breaking down all sorts of barriers, it’s a common language if you like.’

When asked what we can expect from him in his new role Julian said,

‘I’ve never done anything like this before. I’m hoping we’ll be able to put on concerts that feature a mixture of pieces that aren’t so well known, as well as ones which people are familiar with. Hopefully over the three years audiences will learn to trust my judgement.

‘I think it’s important to get the balance right. People want to hear their favourites but at the same time it’s good to be able to open their minds to new things.’

With the work he hopes to do bringing musical opportunities to Cambridgeshire’s children, and the busy concert schedule at the Corn Exchange, it looks like Lloyd Webber will be widening all our musical horizons.

Julian Lloyd Webber will give a recital at the Corn Exchange on 21 January, for concert information visit cornex.co.uk

For more information on music for children in Cambridgeshire visit cambridgeshiremusic.org

Don’t miss!

Cambridge Corn Exchange’s 25th anniversary concert when the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra will perform Vaughan Williams’ Fantasia On A Theme By Thomas Tallis (voted the third most famous piece in the Classic FM Hall Of Fame) and Elgar’s Cello Concerto performed by Thomas Carroll

2 December, 7.30pm, Corn Exchange, 01223 357851