Celebrating a decade of partnership with City Lit Percussion Orchestra

News Story

Open Academy and City Lit Percussion Orchestra reflect on 10 years of making music.

City Lit Percussion Orchestra is an ensemble for adults with learning disabilities, led by Percussion Orchestra Coordinator Alex Thomas. The group compose, rehearse and perform alongside Academy students; their original compositions challenge societal assumptions and celebrate diversity. The Percussion Orchestra is part of City Lit’s Centre for Learning Disability Education, in partnership with the Royal Academy of Music. Students with an ear for instruments can learn to play percussion and compose music as a group.

Over the past 10 years, the Academy is proud to have collaborated on numerous projects with City Lit. Previous projects include:

A live performance for the Deputy Mayor of London in 2023 (watch a clip of this project), where City Lit were presented with the Mayor of London Adult Learning Award for Inclusive Provider of Adult Education.
Finding Ivy, a collaborative performance with Corali Dance Company in remembrance of the people with disabilities lost during the Holocaust.
Demonstrations of original compositions at venues such as City Lit’s John Lyon’s Theatre, the Academy’s Jebsen Recital Hall and the British Museum.
City Lit musicians observing rehearsals with visiting artists such as John Wilson.
The In-The-Round Experience, led by alum Dame Evelyn Glennie, which was an immersive event which placed listening at the centre of the room, literally. Dame Evelyn is also Patron of City Lit Percussion orchestra.

To mark the 10th anniversary of this close partnership, a programme of original works were performed in the Duke’s Hall on 4 November.

‘It’s so exciting to be celebrating a decade of collaboration between Royal Academy of Music and City Lit Percussion Orchestra with this concert here at the Academy. The orchestra members have warmly welcomed so many Academy students over the last ten years, sharing the experience of creative collaboration with them. For many of the Academy students, it has been a highlight of their Open Academy elective; they are inspired by the creativity of the orchestra members, their enjoyment of making music together, and their commitment to one another.’
Julian West, Head of Open Academy

A musician sits on stage, holding drumsticks, waiting to play

A flautist and two strings players sit, rehearsing

A musician sits on stage playing the drums. Behind him is a harpist playing.

Watch this video to find out more about the impact of this partnership, from City Lit Percussion Orchestra musician Simba. Simba performed in the anniversary concert earlier this week, pictured below.

Simba's Journey with Music: Finding His Voice in City Lit's Percussion Orchestra

A man stands in front of a xylophone — Simba on stage in the Duke's Hall rehearsing for City Lit Percussion Orchestra's anniversary concert

The role of music in participation, community and health continues to grow both in the UK and internationally. It is crucial that our students have the opportunity to obtain skills and experience in this exciting area of work. Open Academy offers seminars and workshops alongside hands-on experience in the field. Students can take part through electives that are available to all students. We also offer fellowships to graduating students who will be the future leaders in this work.

Open Academy works closely with artistic and community partners. We offer opportunities for students and project participants to explore making music together. You can find out more about their work here.