Sting donates guitar to Lambeth school kids (From This Is Local London)

Sting donates guitar to Lambeth school kids

6:40am Monday 19th January 2009

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)

Pop legend Sting has donated his bass guitar to a lucky Lambeth school child, as part of the Mayor’s musical instrument amnesty.

The musician is the latest in a string of high-profile artists who have contributed to the No Strings Attached scheme, which collects unused or unneeded musical instruments to be given to children who might otherwise be denied the opportunity to learn to play.

So far, more than 150 instruments have been donated, including a cello from Justin Lloyd Webber and an unclaimed didgeridoo from the Transport for London lost property office.

Grammy award winner Sting said: “The music amnesty is a really important initiative and I'm delighted to support it. Young people deserve the chance to learn a musical instrument, whatever background they come from. Well done to everyone who is helping the campaign.”

The instruments were handed over at a summit last Wednesday, January 14, which involved performances by youngsters including a choir from the Royal College of Music, an 18-strong saxophone ensemble and a jazz trio. Pupils from seven Lambeth primary schools attended.

The event was also supported by internationally renowned conductor Sir Simon Rattle and Madness singer Graham 'Suggs' McPherson.

The instruments have been distributed through Lambeth’s Harmony project, based on the Lansdowne Green Estate, with children from local schools, nurseries and surrounding estates able to participate.

Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: “I'd like every kid in the capital to play an instrument and the prospect of learning on one owned by a superstar like Sting must be absolutely thrilling.”

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)