2024-05-30 11:23:56
Learning disabled man from Bristol sings at the Royal Albert Hall in celebration of accessible music
A learning disabled man from Bristol recently had the “thrilling and awesome” experience of singing at the iconic Royal Albert Hall in London when he took part in a concert that was an emotional rollercoaster for the performers and audience alike.
Frederico, who is supported by learning disability charity Hft, was part of the Music Man Project, a multi-award-winning, world record-breaking disability charity which performed Music is Magic at the Royal Albert Hall in April.
The concert showcased the talents of hundreds of musicians with learning disabilities from across the charity’s UK network, accompanied by His Majesty’s Band of the Royal Marines. It featured the world premiere of a new musical The Music Man Time Machine, with a special performance by Patron Michael Ball who sang a new track titled Make A Difference.
Freddie, as he is known, has been a member of the Music Man Project Keynsham at Keynsham Mencap since August 2023 and enjoys singing and playing the drums. The group of 30 meet each week to rehearse and enjoy making music.
“Music calms my nerves and gives me confidence to sing in front of people. It also enhances my social life,” he explains.
His key workers, Anya Oruada and Peter Kasujja, who attended the performance in London with him, say: “It was an emotional rollercoaster, filled with joy, laughter and tears. We witnessed the power of music binding people together and creating a sense of community.”
Credit: The Music Man Project
David Stanley BEM, the Founder and CEO of the Music Man Project, has a long association with Hft, having helped to write and direct an original song to celebrate the charity’s 60th anniversary in 2022.
David was the composer, producer, director, pianist and compere for the concert, and says: “Music is Magic at the Royal Albert Hall was the UK’s largest ever celebration of accessible music-making. It was a truly spectacular occasion and I was blown away by the professionalism and talent of all the Music Man Project performers. I could not have been prouder of them, and I know they stole the hearts of the nearly 4000 people who were there to support them. I’m already busily writing new music so we can do it all again in two or three years’ time!”
Notes to editors
For further information please email media.enquiries@hft.org.uk
About Hft
Proudly established in 1962 by a group of visionary parents, Hft is a charity supporting more than 2,500 learning disabled adults in England and Wales. Together, we are creating a future where learning disabled people and their families can live the best life possible.
Providing personalised support. Creating solutions for living independently. Coming together to campaign for positive change. Fundraising for new opportunities and a bigger impact.
In 2033, we’ll live in a world where learning disabled people have greater choice. About where they live. The support they need and want. And how to spend their time and money.
Learning disability versus difficulty
A learning disability is different from a learning difficulty but the terms are often confused and used inter-changeably. A learning difficulty does not affect general intellect, whereas a learning disability is a life-long condition characterised by a reduced intellectual ability and struggle with everyday activities.
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For more information about Hft please visit www.hft.org.uk
