In photos: Acclaimed Sheku and Isata Kanneh-Mason meet our Earthsong children

Blog
Photos

Saturday 2 Nov 2024

A lifechanging encounter: Acclaimed Sheku and Isata Kanneh-Mason meet children from our Earthsong programme

We were delighted to welcome internationally-acclaimed musicians Sheku Kanneh-Mason and Isata Kanneh-Mason to host an extraordinary music workshop for pupils on our Earthsong programme.

Delivered in collaboration with Through the Noise, the talented sibling duo brought an unforgettable experience to 60 excited school children.

Sheku, celebrated for his soulful cello performances, and Isata, a renowned classical pianist, shared their immense talent, passion and enthusiasm with a room full of captivated primary school children.

The children were enthralled to witness such spectacular playing, and learn more about the instruments, as they took delight in asking questions and joining in with music games!

These young people come from schools with limited music provision, and in disadvantaged areas of Bristol, so moments like these are often the first time that they experience live music, discover an instrument or meet a musician.

The Kanneh-Masons visit was more than just a workshop; it was a celebration of the power of music to inspire and excite. Their warmth, humour and enthusiasm left a lasting impression on everyone involved.

A huge thank you to Sheku and Isata Kanneh-Mason, Through the Noise, Marble Factory and the Earthsong team for providing this beautiful, enriching experience for our young people.

Photography by Alastair Brookes, Soul Media

About our Earthsong Programme

Our Earthsong Programme provides the first step into music for children in Bristol primary schools.

Created in partnership with the Earthsong Foundation, the Earthsong Programme guides children in 13 Bristol primary schools through a 5 year music education programme.

The programme is provided to schools that may have limited music provision, particularly in disadvantaged areas or where English is a second language.

Find out more

241127_Beacon_Sheku&IsataWorkshop_SoulMedia_AlastairBrookes_HighRes_0021

241127_Beacon_Sheku&IsataWorkshop_SoulMedia_AlastairBrookes_HighRes_0026

241127_Beacon_Sheku&IsataWorkshop_SoulMedia_AlastairBrookes_HighRes_0012 (1) (1)

The loveliest thing about working with young children is that they are always so enthusiastic and creative, and they surprise you. Some of their answers to the questions, and images that they conjure up when listening to the music are so creative and fascinating and that’s what makes the experience just so special.”

Isata Kanneh-Mason

Earthsong is wonderful programme. We go into 11 schools in Bristol and provide musical opportunities for children who might not otherwise have had that.

What’s more, we have some of our budding cellists from the programme here today who are so excited to be here. It is so incredibly special to see all of these children who would never necessarily come to a concert venue, nor see live music. Seeing them light up and have this opportunity is just amazing.”

Ebony Love, Music Projects Coordinator

241127_Beacon_Sheku&IsataWorkshop_SoulMedia_AlastairBrookes_HighRes_0022

241127_Beacon_Sheku&IsataWorkshop_SoulMedia_AlastairBrookes_HighRes_0039

241127_Beacon_Sheku&IsataWorkshop_SoulMedia_AlastairBrookes_HighRes_0018

Lots of these children come from families where music isn’t part of their education. So if the Earthsong programme wasn’t in their school, they may never pick up a violin, play a drum, or be encouraged to sing a song. The great thing about Earthsong is that no matter which school they’re in and what year group they are, they have the opportunity to engage with the musician that they want to be.”

Laurie Stewart, Head of Creative Learning