London Symphony Orchestra takes Grade One for charity

23 May 2013, 13:38 | Updated: 30 May 2013, 09:17

Members of the London Symphony Orchestra are joining forces with a host of musicians including guitarist Miloš Karadaglić, tenor Wynne Evans, and Mark Bedford from Madness to raise money for Children in Crossfire.

Musicians from the LSO and beyond are uniting to take part in a Grade-One-athon, learning an instrument and raising money for charity at the same time. Performers including Miloš Karadaglić, tenor Wynne Evans, and Mark Bedford from Madness are joining forces with the LSO's Maxine Kwok-Adams (First Violin) and Rebecca Gilliver (Principal Cello) and asking for sponsorship, with all proceeds going towards Children in Crossfire.

The musicians have just six months to learn an instrument they've never played before, with the intention of taking a Grade One music exam before Christmas 2013.  Violinist Maxine Kwok-Adams has bought a bright pink flute in preparation, Wynne Evans is ditching the opera 'tache and learning the violin, and Miloš Karadaglić is putting down the guitar in favour of training as a classical singer.

Children in Crossfire protects vulnerable young people across the world. Money raised will go towards the Tumaini La Maisha project, which cares for children with cancer in Tanzania.

Any aspiring musicians are welcome to take part, and can take up any instrument they like, as long as it's possible to take Grade One with any of the UK exam boards. Sponsorship forms are available online.