By Isle of Wight Observer
The launch of the first phase of the Art and Classical Music for school pupils project, led by Professor Robin McInnes, was held at Ventnor Botanic Garden last Wednesday.
More than 90 school pupils, parents, siblings and sponsors attended, which included a 30-minute interactive video, matching 22 magnificent paintings to evocative music by some of the world’s greatest composers.
The video concept and research was undertaken by Robin and colleague, Chloe Stanford-Clark. The video was produced by language teacher, Will King, and introduced by fine art conservator, Emily Kelmendi. It was filmed at Martin Beisly Fine Art in London.
The project aims to raise interest and awareness among school pupils of great artworks and classical music from the 19th and early 20th centuries at a time when the arts have tended to be marginalised in schools in favour of maths and science.
The first phase of the project has involved The Island Free School and Ryde School, where staff and pupils have tested the concept.
Pupils were invited to choose a painting from the video or the accompanying classical music, and to enter competitions either painting in the style of the artist, researching and preparing illustrated essays, or composing music that they felt would match their chosen painting. Twenty-five prizes were awarded to pupils. The launch ended with a performance by harpist, Bella Brown, a former Ryde School pupil, now studying at Platform One in Newport.
In the spring term, it is the turn of primary schools and at least six will be invited to participate before the video and detailed teacher guide is rolled out more widely.
Schools wishing to find out more should contact Robin at rgmcinnes@btinternet.com or call 854865.
pic: Martin Beisly, Emily Kelmendi, Robin McInnes and Chelsea Zahasczuk of Martin Beisly Fine Art in Martin’s London Gallery.
Mal Butler