Live Music Now alumnus and ambassador Craig Ogden visited Hazel Oak School in Solihull this month with local LMN musicians Meraki Duo (Meera Maharaj, flute, and James Girling, classical guitar).
Craig, who is performing at a fundraising concert for LMN SW in September, was a musician at LMN from 1992-1999. Now a major international classical guitar soloist and chamber musician, this season he collaborated with some of the UK’s top artists and ensembles including concerto performances with the BBC Concert Orchestra, Halle and London Philharmonic.
Since leaving LMN, Craig continues to promote the organisation’s work and inspire new musicians across the UK.
He said of his time here “It was a privilege to have the opportunity to perform for people who were unable to attend formal concerts, and the many memories I have of my LMN days will stay with me forever.”
James is one of Craig’s students at Royal Northern College of Music, where Craig tutors in guitar. James and Meera joined LMN’s Musicians’ Development Scheme in July 2018.
“Craig was my principle tutor for 5 years during undergraduate and postgraduate studies” says James. “Not only did he give excellent instruction to develop my technique and instil key musical values that continue to inform my playing today as a soloist and chamber musician, but he also drew on his diverse, ‘real-world’ experience to advise and support me as a young professional.”
Meera says “Whilst James and I were students at the RNCM, we heard so many wonderful things about LMN from a range of eminent musicians, including Craig. I enjoyed spending a placement year working alongside an LMN musician in an early years setting which highlighted the benefits and joy that LMN sessions provide. This encouragement and our desire to explore community music making resulted in us auditioning for the scheme.”
“Hazel Oak was a delightful school and the young people really engaged in the session, so we had a really enjoyable afternoon together. One student enjoyed a piece so much, they asked me to play again as a personal rendition!”
Craig will also be performing a fundraising concert for LMN SW at St. Georges in Bristol on 24th September. Tickets can be booked online here, or premium tickets (including drinks reception with Craig Ogden) can be booked directly through Live Music Now by emailing [email protected] or telephone 07880 437526.
Photo credit: Ivan Gonzalez
