Category : Radio
4
Date : 27.04.2004
Printable version
Radio 4 listeners
have clubbed together to buy instruments for the Amazon Youth Cello
Orchestra which is to perform for the first time in Europe on 11
May.
Ìý
After hearing Radio 4's Music From The Rainforest
programme on 10 February - which featured the young Brazilian musicians
playing Bach, Haydn and Vivaldi to the residents of the Amazon rainforest
- listeners were moved to offer money and support to the orchestra whose
members struggle to buy instruments.
Ìý
Two cellos have been bought for them and will be presented to
the musicians when they perform at a concert in Amsterdam – a booking
that was made after concert organisers heard their musical talent on
the Radio 4 programme.
Ìý
This will be the first time many of the musicians have
travelled outside the Amazon region.
Ìý
Mark Rickards, Senior Producer, Radio 4 says: "I
have been overwhelmed by the response to the programme.
Ìý
"I've been replying to a steady stream of letters
from listeners offering money, instruments, even offering to sponsor
the children.
Ìý
"These children have shown
incredible dedication and tenacity - the difficulties of learning to
play the cello in the Amazon rainforest is hard for us to contemplate.
Ìý
"But the Radio 4 listeners have obviously been
moved by their plight and are now liaising directly with the orchestra
to see how they can help.
Ìý
"I've never had such a response
to one of my programmes. The children of the Amazon have been thrilled."
Ìý
Notes to Editors
Ìý
The Amazon Youth Cello Orchestra is performing on Tuesday
11 May 2004 at the PINC 5 International Conference, Hotel Figi / Het
Rond 2 / 3701 HS Zeist, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
