And now a word from our sponsors: Total UK Ltd – Music raising awareness of climate change

Below, our friends from Total UK Ltd discuss the importance of setting an example for the next generation by volunteering in our award-winning Camerata in the Community programme.

‘Since 2018, Total UK Ltd has been sponsoring registered charity and cultural trailblazer, Manchester Camerata. Hailed by The Times as ‘Probably Britain’s most adventurous orchestra’, Camerata’s award-winning community programme helps people of all ages overcome barriers in their lives through music. The orchestra is at the forefront of music-led dementia research and is fast becoming a global thought leader in health and wellbeing. By creating inspiring experiences through music, they promote social change in communities.’

One of these changes is climate change. The next generation will be tackling this even more and Total, as a responsible energy major, must lead by example.

From 16th to 22nd November, members of Manchester Camerata were visiting primary schools from Preston to Pontefract and Total stepped up to help. Two volunteers per day attended the workshops with the kids, and answered questions on behalf of Total. The main topics of these workshops were about renewable energy, fuel consumption reduction and how they relate to climate change. Children aged from 8 to 10 are extremely aware of these key topics and come back with passionate solutions.

After debating on how machines from the future would be powered, drawing prototypes and admiring each other’s ideas, it was time to sing. By highlighting keywords given by the kids, Manchester Camerata’s composers and musicians started writing lyrics and finding a melody. The kids were very enthusiastic about it, singing out loud their own findings accompanied with a guitar and a French horn.

What our Total Volunteers said

“I’d like to thank you all at Manchester Camerata who gave so much time
and commitment into these workshops. Your passion really came across in
the interaction with the children who seemed to enjoy themselves and really connect the subject of energy with the music.”

Chris Cave, Ferrybridge

“I did not expect the children to have such an interest in different energies. They were lovely, and the women from Manchester Camerata did an amazing job!”

Marion Dubreuil, Ferrybridge

“Kate, the composer is really good! As volunteer, we needed to join in and
try not to laugh at what some of the kids say! I now believe in Llamacorns (apparently this is a cross between a Llama and a unicorn)…it’s the future!”

Gemma Tinnion, Preston