Councillor Susan Fajana-Thomas, Speaker of Hackney, attended a classical music concert given for local schoolchildren on Wednesday (Jan 25).

The music workshop and performance at Shoreditch Town Hall was organised by Apollo Music Projects; a music education charity which brings live classical music to children who might not otherwise experience it, using the language of music to develop children’s observational skills, communication and teamwork.

Apollo Music Projects (AMP) have residencies in 10 primary schools in Hackney this year bringing live classical music to hundreds of children. The project enables children to discover how to listen to and enjoy classical music, using their own imagination and experiences to enter a new world of sound, stories and feelings. AMP believes this approach develops children’s concentration, focus, confidence, and benefits their general learning.

Speaker of Hackney, Councillor Susan Fajana-Thomas says:“I was thrilled to have been invited to this event, it was very entertaining. I think it is a fantastic idea to introduce classical music to young children in this way, by bringing the instruments and musicians into the school setting. I hope many more schoolchildren in Hackney have this opportunity in the future.”

AMP’s Chief Executive David Chernaik said: “I was very pleased to see the Speaker of Hackney present to lend her support to our event. It is always a magical thing to see such excitement on the faces of the children as they hear and see an orchestra in a live performance."

For more information on the Speaker, her charities and how to invite her to an event, telephone: 020 8356 3350 or email: speaker@hackney.gov.uk.

Photo caption: Speaker with fellow guests and Elizabeth Horsford of Apollo Chamber Orchestra.