On Friday 4 March, Music Scholars and Exhibitioners in L4, U4 and L5 took part in a 'Connecting Cultures' concert, performing in Norwich Cathedral with the London Bulgarian Choir. Head of Making Musicians, Caroline Speca, reports on the evening:

This past month, our Music Scholars and Exhibitioners in L4, U4 and L5 had the privilege of taking part in Connecting Cultures, a musical cultural-exchange project devised by Gary Newland of Worldwide Music, and supported by the Norfolk Music Hub. Norwich School was lucky to be one of six Norfolk schools to be offered this wonderful and uplifting cultural experience.

Each school taking part in Connecting Cultures was first introduced to a particular culture and its musical tradition — in our case, Bulgarian culture. Our guide was Dessi Stefanova, the Director of the London Bulgarian Choir, whose knowledge of, passion for, and commitment to Bulgarian choral music, not to mention her unstoppable energy, was nothing short of infectious. Under her expert tutelage, our pupils were able thoroughly to explore their vocal sound, and to develop the confidence to sing with conviction. Indeed, the louder and more focused the singing, the happier Dessi became! Dessi also opened pupils’ eyes to the vibrant Bulgarian choral music tradition, which was new to us.

The Connecting Cultures project culminated with a choral concert in Norwich Cathedral. Performing before a large audience, our pupils had the honour of joining the London Bulgarian Choir on stage, singing together and wearing traditional Bulgarian dress!

Connecting Cultures also incorporated an important academic element. Pupils were introduced to the idea of identity, communities and cultures.What makes an identity? Do we have several identities that are intertwined with one another? Are we in fact all connected to one another through these identity networks? Is this a community? What cultures do these communities have and are we in fact more alike than unalike? 

When the Connecting Cultures project began, there was no war in Europe. But by the end, we had all been shocked by the disturbing images emerging from Ukraine. I have no doubt that this project will be remembered fondly by the pupils that took part — what better way to defy the inhumanity taking place in the world than to embrace a new culture, stand as one, and make and enjoy music together.