Spitalfields Music exists to build communities across London’s East End through music. The aim is to bring artists, audiences and communities together so everyone can find, explore and share extraordinary music in one of the most vibrant areas of London.
The Radcliffe Trust have supported Spitalfields Festival Ltd for many years and in 2023 awarded a grant for their New Young Voice Collective to provide young people from Newham and Tower Hamlets with free opportunities for musical development, such as courses, one to one support and support and encouragement to aim for higher education.
All the Young Artists received one-to-one and group support from music director, Naveen Arles, alongside guest conductors and tutors, including members of the BBC Singers who have a longstanding relationship with Spitalfields Festival, and Leanne Sedin, an astonishing vocal leader based in Tower Hamlets. This separate weekly time for the older singers, after the main rehearsal, is much valued by the young people, giving them a safe space to experiment as musicians and to build confidence. Everyone has multiple opportunities to lead the vocal group over the course of the year, with many suggesting repertoires to be sung and working alongside the pianist and arranger, Steve Lodder, to realise their ideas. The sessions cover everything from how to lead warm-ups, to developing vocal techniques, and from making applications to FE/HE institutions to open a bank account and how to invoice for work done.
Developing their musicianship has paid off. One YA has now founded his own choir but maintains his links with New YVC to ensure he continues to learn and stays in touch with musical friends. He has also developed a close relationship with Nav and our administrator, Abigail, who have helped with the more practical elements of running an ensemble.
