“Sounds That Hurt Not” 

A packed audience at Salisbury Arts Centre on July 7th saw a magnificent musical performance inspired by Shakespeare’s “The Tempest”. It was performed by children from Exeter House Special School and the Valley Unit from Woodford Valley School. supported by musicians from Sarum Orchestra, dancers and an actor. Music by Purcell, Verdi, Gershwin and others was sung, spoken and performed in a most moving and powerful way as the story was acted out.

The story told of a magical island where, in Shakespeare’s words, “The isle is full of noises and sounds …. (that) delight and hurt not.”
One of the most moving elements was the way in which the children’s confidence and enjoyment grew visibly as the performance went on. Workshops had been held over months with the children but it was only at this performance that it all came together.

There is no end to the ambition of the Sarum Orchestra’s special needs work – beginning in September and over the next 4 years they are to tackle the universal themes, epic tales and glorious music of Wagner’ s Ring Cycle with the children.