As part of the Philadelphia Orchestra’s European Tour, Trinity Laban students and staff member Joe Townsend will perform with a string quartet from the orchestra in a programme inspired by American and European folk music.

With the aim of making connections with a focus on musical excellence, imagination and international friendship, the musicians will be performing at Saint Paul’s Way Summer Street Festival.

Joe Townsend says: “The world of classical music is changing and this is another example of how leaders in the field are creating partnerships to make new work and bring music to new audiences. Not only does this give students the opportunity to receive training from professional musicians, but they are also able to build a relationship with a world leading orchestra.”

This is not the only connection Trinity Laban has with the Philadelphia Orchestra. As part of their participation and engagement programme, Trinity Laban’s performance department and library has resourced and supported a strings masterclass with the orchestra’s associate conductor Lio Kaukman on 5 June 2015. The masterclass will focus on works by Britten and Elgar and will be open to students from the London music colleges.

The performance will take place on 6 June 2015 at 13.00h as part of the St Pauls Way Trust School Summer Festival and will be attended by Lord Andrew Mawson and Philadelphia Orchestra President Allison Vulgamore.