The London Symphony Orchestra (LSO) will explore two works from the Edexcel A Level music specification in a live web stream on Monday 20 November from 2 – 4pm.

LSO Animateur Paul Rissmann will look at Shostakovich’s String Quartet No 8 (1st mvt) and Reich’s New York Counterpoint (2nd mvt) with the help of LSO musicians.

The Know the Score seminar will clearly demonstrate how the music is structured, analyse the composers' compositional technique, and set the pieces in their historical and musical context.

A Level music students' understanding will be assisted by specially devised slides included in the stream.  Questions will be accepted from remote audiences by email, and through a web page.

The A Level seminar will be broadcast using Quicktime.  Sign up for the web stream at: http://discovery.lso.co.uk/alevel/.

Dr Hugh Benham, Chair of Examiners for GCE Level Music, said: “This is a great opportunity. Not only can students listen to new performances by world-class orchestral players, but they can also gain additional insights into the background and content of their set works. This kind of blending of listening and in-depth musical study is something examiners are very enthusiastic about.”

Ajax McKerral, LSO’s Digital Projects Manager, said: "LSO Discovery is committed to developing remote learning opportunities across the UK and the world. It is a valuable way for schools to gain access to high quality eLearning resources."

The seminar will be live at LSO St Luke’s, Old Street, London EC2.  Any schools within travelling distance of LSO St Luke's are encouraged to attend in person. For tickets please contact Amy Higgs on 020 7382 2538 or email Amy.Higgs@lso.co.uk

Over 4,000 candidates took Edexcel’s A Level music in June 2006 and almost 4,000 BTEC Firsts and BTEC Nationals in music-related qualifications were awarded in 2005/06.

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