London Mozart Players launch ‘At home with LMP’ initiative

At home with LMP London Mozart Players, the UK’s longest established chamber orchestra, are launching ‘At home with LMP’ an initiative that will help keep audiences connected to music by going virtual.

The web page will allow anyone to access and enjoy performances by LMP musicians and associated artists virtually from the comfort of their own home while self-isolating.

‘At home with LMP’ will release a daily stream of pre-recorded and live performances, as well as exclusive behind-the-scenes clips from LMP soloists, associates and musicians.

Viewers will have access to a whole catalogue of musical treats to keep the music playing through the pandemic.

From ‘Mozart Mondays’ where LMP musicians and guest artists will unpack and explore a new work by Mozart each week, to ‘Saturday Sessions’ where exclusive solo performances will be live-broadcast by musicians who may be self-isolating.

This will include player-recommended playlists, a window into the LMP’s educational work and exclusive video contributions from associated soloists such as clarinettist Michael Collins and young stars Jess Gillam and Laura van der Heijden.

Launching the first of LMP’s ‘Saturday Sessions’ is acclaimed classical guitarist Craig Ogden.

Live-streamed from Craig’s home via the LMP’s Facebook page at 7pm on March 28, Craig will bring the soothing sounds of the classical guitar right to your living room with a relaxing performance of much-loved classics from the guitar repertoire.

London Mozart Players and pianist Howard Shelley were also due to perform the last concert of their 2019/20 Piano Explored lunchtime series on April 1 but the concert will no longer take place, so instead LMP will be broadcasting an introduction from Howard Shelley – filmed from his own home – which is planned to go live via LMP’s Facebook page at 1.05pm on April 1.

LMP will be releasing family-friendly performances every Friday at 10.00am to cater for younger audiences who will now be facing extended time at home with parents.

Upcoming highlights include a narrated performance of ‘Ferdinand the Bull’ with principal cellist Sebastian Comberti and LMP leader Ruth Rogers.

Viewers will be given the option to donate money towards the campaign so that the musicians involved are partially compensated for the loss of income they will inevitably face.

Julia Desbruslais, executive director of LMP said: “In this time of great uncertainty, it has never been more important to keep people connected through music.

“Whilst this is an extremely difficult and worrying time for all, it is vitally important that orchestras keep going; connecting communities, inspiring audiences, giving a platform to musicians and finding ways to support them through a period of financial instability.

“Moving our work onto a virtual platform allows us to keep making classical music accessible for all members of the community in this time of social distancing.

“We hope this will offer people an oasis of calm and a breath of fresh air in these surreal times.

“So, sit back, relax, enjoy the soothing sounds and let LMP bring the concert hall into your living room.”