In the programme’s 10th Birthday Year, Dan Carden MP launches Liverpool Philharmonic In Harmony Liverpool partnership with All Saints Catholic Primary School and Anfield Children’s Centre.

On 1 February, Dan Carden MP, Labour MP for Liverpool Walton visited All Saints Catholic Primary School, which incorporates Anfield Children’s Centre, marking the school becoming the fourth in his constituency to become part of Liverpool Philharmonic’s In Harmony Liverpool programme in North Liverpool. 

All Saints joins Everton schools, Faith Primary where Liverpool Philharmonic was established In Liverpool Harmony in 2009 working with 84 children; Everton Nursery School and Family Centre from January 2015, and Beacon CE Primary School in September 2015. 

The new partnership adds 600 children aged 0-11 years and their families to the programme taking In Harmony Liverpool’s weekly  reach  to 1500 children . 

The expansion marks a significant moment for In Harmony Liverpool in what is its 10th year of operation, moving into a second neighbourhood in North Liverpool. 

In Harmony Liverpool uses orchestral music making to improve the life chances of children by increasing confidence, wellbeing, skills and resilience. Music-making is enhanced by opportunities to travel, learn, perform and collaborate with professional musicians, international artists and other young people.

During his visit, the Liverpool Walton MP observed an orchestra rehearsal with Year 3 and Year 4 pupils, led by In Harmony Liverpool Artistic Director, Rod Skipp and Liverpool Philharmonic musicians who lead the programme across all four schools in North Liverpool.

Since it was established in 2009, independent evaluation of In Harmony Liverpool over 10 years demonstrates strong evidence that the programme is having a positive impact in North Liverpool.   Children are making outstanding progress in developing their musical ability as individuals and as members of an orchestra with benefits to their health and well-being, and  wider impacts on stronger family relationships, increased pride, wellbeing and aspirations in the community.

Dan Carden MP, Labour MP for Liverpool Walton said:

"I'm delighted to see first-hand the fantastic work that Liverpool Philharmonic’s In Harmony Liverpool programme is doing to help change children's lives in my constituency through orchestral music-making.  Music can have a profound impact on a child's development and their overall well-being.  Having watched a rehearsal on my visit, I was struck by the teaching skills of the In Harmony team, the children’s concentration and engagement in their music-making, and their obvious enjoyment in playing together as an orchestra.”

Jeremy Barnes, Head Teacher of All Saints Catholic Primary School said:

“We are delighted to be part of In Harmony Liverpool.   The success  of the programme over 10 years working with young people in North Liverpool  is a clear demonstration that our partnership with Liverpool Philharmonic to expand the programme in to our school will be a positive and rewarding one, and of great benefit to our children and staff taking part.”

Rod Skipp, In Harmony Liverpool Artistic Director said:

“In our 10th Birthday year, our new partnership with All Saints Catholic Primary School and Anfield Children’s Centre is an exciting development in our aim to bring life-changing orchestral music-making to hundreds more children and families in North Liverpool.

“It is great to be able to build on the 10 years of success of In Harmony Liverpool which has only been possible due to the support of our many partners in North Liverpool.   We very much enjoy making music with the children and staff at All Saints and the wider Anfield community and would like to thank Mr Barnes, his staff, children and their families for making all of us at Liverpool Philharmonic feel so welcome.”

Notes to Editors

In Harmony Liverpool 10th Birthday Weekend

Saturday 9 – Monday 11 March 2019, Liverpool Philharmonic Hall

Full details at: liverpoolphil.com/in-harmony-10

Liverpool Philharmonic has been leading In Harmony Liverpool since 2009 with partner organisations in Everton including Faith Primary School, West Everton Community Council, Resonate Liverpool’s Music Hub, Liverpool Hope University, Beacon CE Primary School, Hopscotch Nursery and The Shewsy. 

In Harmony Liverpool is part of the In Harmony national programme supported by Arts Council England and the Department for Education, which uses music to transform the lives of children and young people. Liverpool is part of the In Harmony national programme supported by Arts Council England and the Department for Education, which uses music to transform the lives of children and young people.

Including Arts Council England support, Liverpool Philharmonic has been successful in securing additional funding to continue and expand the programme in the form of major gifts and donations from trusts and foundations and  private donors.   Liverpool Philharmonic is currently fundraising for the period 2018-2019.

Media enquiries and further information:

Jayne Garrity, Head of Communications, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic 

Tel: 0151 210 3791 / 07967 364241, email: jayne.garrity@liverpoolphil.com