Education has always been an integral part of Highgate International Chamber Music Festival and the 2025 season is no exception.
This October, HICMF will again be joining forces with animateur Polly Ives, this time bringing to life the musical story of ‘Blown Away’ in primary schools around Haringey.
Penguin Blue and his friends are in for a surprise! It all starts with a windy day and a brand new kite. Come fly away with Penguin Blue as he gets caught in a gust of wind and the adventure begins…
Meera Maharaj (flutes) and Polly Ives (narrator) perform new music by award-winning composer Paul Rissmann based on the book by Rob Biddulph, with digital animation by Victor Craven. With fun actions and songs to join in with, in a relaxed and friendly environment, this is a perfect introduction to music, animation and storytelling.
If you would like to hear more about HICMF’s education and outreach work or would like to support our work with local schools, please contact us.
In previous years the HICMF Young Artists scheme focused on bringing together several aspects of music education to help emerging young ensembles become more versatile musicians and complete all-round communicators
Each year HICMF’s Young Artists’ Scheme provided one selected ensemble with:
- free coaching during the year from leading chamber musicians
- a high-profile performance in the main festival, and potential links to other performance opportunities
- a professional quality video recording of their performance, which they can use to promote the ensemble/competition applications etc
- a series of specialised coaching sessions from acclaimed animateur, cellist & baritone Matthew Sharp on developing their own workshop-concerts for primary schools
- the experience of performing those workshop-concerts in Haringey primary schools
- at least one masterclass with a world renowned musician. Recent artists who have given classes include Steven Isserlis CBE and Susan Tomes
HICMF Young Artists 2019 the Salomé Quartet performing in the festival
Matthew Sharp working with the Mithras Piano Trio
Steven Isserlis CBE with the Kanneh-Mason Piano Trio
HICMF Young Artists 2018 the Mithras Piano Trio presenting a concert-workshop to primary school children in Haringey