The East Winds

The East Winds Project: 6 young fiddlers from Shetland and 6 young East London violinists collaborate in a musical and cultural exchange of two one-week residencies culminating in five concerts between Shetland and London, performing Indian, classical and traditional music, intertwined with stories about their experiences. With special guest violin tutors Kirsten Hendry and Kriss Moulder (Hjaltibonhoga, Shetland), Paul Anderson (Aberdeen), Calina de la Mare (London), Geraldine McEwan (Waltham Forest Music Services) and Balu Raguraman (Bhavan Centre, London), the residencies are under the guidance of Shapeshifter Production's Artistic Director, Alison Jones.

Earlier this year, East London performing arts charity Shapeshifter Productions selected 12 lucky candidates, aged 11-14 years, from widely varying social backgrounds and environments to take part in this exciting project. The first residency took place in Shetland, in April, and was a huge success. The six London students were hosted by Shetlanders and spent time with the six Shetland youngsters and their families, sharing experiences, music and lifestyles, with the common bond of the violin or fiddle. They continue to communicate from afar in the lead up to the second residency, in Walthamstow, East London, this July, which is run in partnership with Waltham Forest Music Services.

In April, the young musicians spent an intensive week exploring South Indian, classical and traditional music, guided by our professional musicians and special guest tutors. which culminated in a newly developed repertoire, intertwined with stories about their experiences. They performed at Mareel, Lerwick and Cullivoe Hall, Yell. This second residency will continue to provide an exciting, engaging and innovative experience for the 12 young musicians in Walthamstow, where they will spend three days of intensive rehearsals, workshops and Master Classes, culminating in performances at Cross Rail Roof Garden, Canary Wharf, The Bhavan Centre, Kensington and Rich Mix, Shoreditch, in a festival programme curated by Tomorrow's Warriors and Serious.

At the end of this project, the students achieve The Bronze Arts Award.