Percussion Orchestra with Royal Academy of Music
The Percussion Orchestra, part of City Lit’s Centre for Learning Disability Education, is an inspiring music project for adults with learning disabilities. Launched in 2015, the orchestra creates and performs original compositions, challenging societal assumptions and celebrating diversity.
A Collaboration with the Royal Academy of Music
The Percussion Orchestra is a collaboration with the Royal Academy of Music’s Open Academy, which provides opportunities for their students to engage with communities and external projects outside of the Academy. In partnership with the Royal Academy of Music’s Open Academy, the project is a collaboration between Academy and City Lit students. The students work on a project for three terms and have performed their pieces in the John Lyon’s Theatre at City Lit, at the Royal Academy of Music’s David Josefowitz Recital Hall, and other venues including the Open University in Milton Keynes and the British Museum.
Welcoming Dame Evelyn Glennie as Patron
In 2024, the Percussion Orchestra gained a new Patron—acclaimed solo percussionist and City Lit Fellow Dame Evelyn Glennie. To mark the occasion, Dame Evelyn visited City Lit to collaborate with the musicians and share her expert insights. During her visit, musicians had the opportunity to share stories, learn valuable tips, and celebrate their shared passion for music.
Percussion Orchestra and Royal Academy of Music present: Life Cycles
Watch the City Lit Percussion Orchestra and Royal Academy of Music players present 'Life Cycles'. The performance was part of the end of year show by students with learning disabilities. 'Life Cycles' was created collaboratively and has five parts based on the idea of how we relate to the present, past and future.
Watch Alex Thomas, Percussion Orchesta coordinator, talk about the 'Life Cycles' project below.
Courses for people with learning disabilities at City Lit
Contact our team:
t: 020 7492 2586
e: learningdisability@citylit.ac.uk
Browse all our courses for people with learning disabilities.