We were thrilled to welcome the incredible Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra to Richard Lander School last Friday for a morning of music, inspiration, and creativity. The orchestra began their visit by performing GCSE set pieces, including works by Bach and Beethoven, providing our students with a unique opportunity to hear these masterpieces come alive. The skill and passion of the musicians truly brought the music off the page and into our hall, creating a memorable learning experience
The orchestra then moved on to Terry Reilly’s iconic In C, showcasing the mesmerizing power of minimalist music. The piece’s evolving patterns, layers and collaborative spirit demonstrated how music can transform simple ideas into something extraordinary.
For many the highlight of the concert was a live performance of the soundtrack from Netflix’s Surviving Paradise by William Goodchild. Students watched scenes from the documentary while the orchestra played the score live, perfectly syncing the emotive music with the stunning wildlife visuals. It was a magical experience, emphasizing the vital role music plays in storytelling and setting the tone for cinematic moments.
The grand finale was very special. Students had the opportunity to contribute their own musical motifs, which the orchestra then developed into a live composition in real-time on stage! Watching their ideas grow into a fully realized piece performed by a professional orchestra was an inspiring moment, sparking creativity and showing the boundless possibilities of music.
A massive thank you to the Patrick Bailey for organising this inspirational visit, to the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra for an unforgettable morning and to all the other schools who came along to share the experience with us.