EDUCATION

Advanced Masterclasses and Weekend Courses

Originally established in 2008 award winning conductor Bridget Cunningham, directs and coaches from the harpsichord, just as Handel and LEO’s scheme called The Handelians focuses on the development and education of exceptional singers nurturing and inspiring the future generations – which was a passion of Handel. The Handelians includes up and coming singers and musicians who get coaching from LEO musicians on advanced level repertoire looking at various musical issues and techniques used in historical performance practice.

Lecture Recitals and Research

Bridget Cunningham and various members of LEO have given specialist lecture recitals at the Royal Academy of Arts and the National Gallery on music and art including Handel and Watteau and for the Da Vinci exhibition at the National Gallery. London Early Opera are leading exponents of baroque research and work closely under directions from Bridget Cunningham and other musicians, musicologists, historians, editors and researchers.

Past Educational Events

One of LEO’s theorbo player Cesar Queruz played for young pupils with special needs at the Jack Tizard school for the Music festival ‘JackFest’. Deputy Head Sarah said “It was a really positive, enjoyable experience for the children and for the staff.” Teaching assistant Suzanne said “Some of the children would not be able to travel to concerts and live music is such a stimulus for our kids.” One of the pupils Jamie, summed up what he thought of the LEO musician “more!” Other successful whole day Baroque Music Creative Workshops have been presented at Streatham & Clapham High Junior School and other educational establishments.

Royal Academy of Arts, London Watteau and Handel: 18th Century Music in London and Paris

Bridget Cunningham opened the Royal Academy of Arts exhibition, London Watteau and Handel: 18th Century Music in London and Paris, 2011 and gave a lecture recital with musical highlights from the Baroque Era – the time of Watteau and Handel – capturing the spirit of the stunning music performed in both fashionable cities. The soiree took place in Burlington House, where Handel himself performed when he lived there.

Researchers think the complexity of classical music primes the brain to solve spatial problems more quickly. Classical music more than other genres has a complex musical structure and babies as young as 3 months can pick out that structure and recognise classical music selections they have heard before. Listening to live music can be used as a motivator, to enhance creativity and build on a schools sense of community. The music can be stimulating or soothing and used in variety of forms or just simply to enhance mood and prepare young people to learn. It can be based on the National Curriculum or just for enrichment.

LEO can help students build a lifelong love of music and bring authenticity and originality to the forefront. LEO musicians introduce pupils and early music enthusiasts to instruments, styles and this wonderful cultural heritage.

Please contact LEO for more information on The Handelians, workshops, lectures and masterclasses.