In April 2019, the RPO became the second ever British orchestra to visit Kuwait, performing three concerts at the Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Center in Kuwait City, and marking 120 years of friendship between the two countries. Alongside these concerts, RPO Resound teamed up with the British Council to run a series of opportunities bringing local students together with RPO musicians to create music, receive coaching and attend open rehearsals.

Over two mornings, seven RPO musicians supported five coaching sessions working with talented young musicians working on solo and ensemble pieces including Mozart’s clarinet concerto, the Bruch violin concerto and traditional Kuwaiti pieces. An additional session on performance anxiety gave the young musicians tips and techniques for dealing with the stress of being on stage.

Fitting around these coaching sessions, a team of five RPO musicians and workshop leader Tim Steiner worked with thirty-six young musicians from local schools and universities to devise a brand new piece of music bringing together traditional western instruments with middle-eastern modes and flare. Over just 4.5 hours, the group composed a ten-minute piece which they ultimately performed in the foyer of JAAC ahead of the RPO’s final concert on Saturday 13 April, showcasing the students’ work to an appreciative local audience.

Watch this short film to see the team in action.