PLEASE NOTE : THIS PERFORMANCE IS NOT AT THE PLEASANCE THEATRE

The performance will showcase a number of aspects from the Music First programme. Music First helps transform the lives of children and their families in Islington. It is based on the renowned El Sistema Programme in Venezuela and is now in its second year of piloting in Islington.

Primary and secondary aged pupils are tought to play a musical instrument or join a choir as part of a large social group. As they progress, they are invited to join an orchestra and undergo intensive training sessions and performances. The social cohesion aspects of the project go far beyond the participating children and young people to include their family members, allowing opportunities for social networking as regular audiences and as project volunteers and supporters. The performance will feature a selection from their larger concert at the Union Chapel on 11 February 2010 where all 300 pupils performed.

Music First is a charitable organisation supported by Dame Alice Owen's Foundation, Islington Council and Cambridge Education @ Islington.