A musical journey celebrating 20 years in Bournemouth

In 2022 SoundStorm celebrates 20 years as an agency and a decade leading the Music Education Hub. Over the years, we’ve worked with literally thousands of young people, and as the local Hub, we’ve raised over £5 million of external funding to support enrichment.

On the 12th July 2022, our year-long programme will culminate at the Bournemouth International Centre with a performance of Around the World in 8 Days, a mass orchestral event that moves across the globe. Arranged for instrumentalists of all abilities, the score takes players on an epic musical journey taking leave from the British Isles, with stop-overs in Europe, India, China and more.

The specially commissioned score has been composed by local musician, performer, and Hub partner, Stefan Defilet. He had this to say about his ambitions for the project…

“In my twenties, I was lucky enough to tour the world for almost 4 years with a world music show.  In Spring 2019, I thought the young people of BCP, where I live, might enjoy a similar experience.  At the time, some major changes were taking place across the country and I reasoned this might be a great way to celebrate the world for its creative diversity and richness and to open the children’s minds to what goes on outside the British Isles.

After meeting with Michael Armstrong at SoundStorm, some months later the commission came to fruition. The idea is simple; we visit 8 different regions, or countries of the world, all linked by one short musical theme or motif. Featuring professional guest musicians for China, India, and East Africa, the production will include dance and visual art offering both the audience and players, an authentic celebration of global culture, music, dance, art, and cuisine, coinciding with SoundStorm’s 20th anniversary”.

In September, we’ll be writing to schools to recruit to the 250 strong orchestra, distributing the scores and backing tracks and the rehearsal schedule. The accompanying outreach programme includes three ‘Live & Inspired’ primary tours, bringing the sounds of India, Israel and Spain to 30 member schools.

Our Infant member schools will also be part of the celebration, starting their journey in Brownsea Island before embarking on their own voyage of musical discovery and composition, culminating next summer with a performance day, featuring a trio of musicians performing excerpts from the full score.

Follow us on our social media platforms for more announcements, the tickets release and the schedule of supported rehearsals….