City of London Sinfonia: The Open Fund for Organisations
Diary of a Young Naturalist, based on the award-winning book by Dara McAnulty, has been commissioned by City of London Sinfonia for our 50th anniversary year. A dramatic song cycle for chamber orchestra and vocal soloist composed by Cheryl Frances-Hoad, the piece celebrates the natural environment through the eyes of 15-year-old McAnulty, one of three neurodivergent children in his family, alongside the challenges of being a teen. Performances will be engaging for all audiences, welcoming to those with sensory impairments, and utilise social distancing measures to create space and calm. CLS musicians will take on semi-dramatic roles in the performance as birds, animals, and insects, interacting with the audience and engaging them as co-creators in the piece.
The performances will take place at Southwark Cathedral, using the architectural canvas of the space to create a ‘journey’ through the seasons. This venue also allows for movement throughout the space (for all audiences, including those using wheelchairs), so audiences can create a literal physical journey reflecting McAnulty’s own journeys through his very local natural world. Our relaxed concert format, enjoyed by all audience members, also suits many people with autism and related sensory impairments by providing the opportunity to move around a space knowing that they are able to leave if needed without disturbing others, providing quiet spaces away from other audience members, clear communications provided ahead of the performance, and a subject matter and dramatic voice that relates directly to their own lives.