The Edinburgh International Festival will arrive in the Western Isles to present its flagship Education project, Bank of Scotland Connecting to Music, to 10 to 12 year olds from Castlebay Community School, Craigston School, Eoligarry School in Castlebay Community School on Barra on Tuesday 26 October, and Leverhulme Memorial School, Claismol School, Scalpay School, Sir Edward Scott School and Shelibost School at Leverhulme Memorial School on Harris on Thursday 28 October.

Over 90 children will have the chance to develop essential listening skills in the day-long workshops, which will begin by introducing the children to different styles of music, including pop, classical and 20th century music and examine how it affects them, their thoughts and their emotions. They will then go on to add visual elements and pupils will start to draw representations of what they have heard. Later in the day professional cellist, Catriona Hetherington, will play live music to the children and discuss and explore the relationship and dynamic between audience and live performer. For some this is their first experience of live music.

The programme is already underway at the Festival’s home, The Hub, in Edinburgh and 1,800 pupils from central Scotland will have the chance to be part of it over the coming year. The Edinburgh International Festival and Bank of Scotland are both excited that their partnership continues to develop and can further their commitment to increasing access to the arts as widely as possible, and that they have the opportunity to visit communities which have been beyond their reach in the past.

Brian McMaster, Director of Edinburgh International Festival commented: ‘We believe that art can change lives. This project is an opportunity for us to introduce young people to a very special experience that could influence them for a lifetime.’

Ray Macfarlane, Head of Group Community Investment at Bank of Scotland, said; ‘Support for the arts is central to our community investment programme in Scotland and we have had a relationship with the Edinburgh International Festival for more than 50 years. We are delighted to have extended this commitment to include Connecting to Music, ensuring the benefit of this investment is felt by youngsters throughout the country.’