Light Orchestra

Since 2016 the AllegroModerato Orchestra, composed of abled and disabled music teachers and musicians, has been experimenting with music workshops with migrants to foster processes of social inclusion through music. Starting in 2019, with AMI support, the Orchestra aims to develop this sector further using a methodology that enables people who have never played an instrument to play strings or percussion, actively involving all participants in the execution of famous symphonic works. The method enables an approach to musical instruments without the underlying technical or theoretical knowledge.

One morning a week the disabled teachers and musicians go to the Donne di Milano institute where they provide a string orchestral workshop for young migrant women, recent arrivals in Italy. The disabled musicians act as tutors: not only do they play but they show the women how to hold the instruments, how to pluck the chords and create a vibrato. Gradually, trying out the bass or plucking a harp or playing a violin, they listen and learn.

Music enables the participants to learn how to play an instrument via listening and interacting with others, thus developing concentration and perseverance. This interaction creates a pleasant social atmosphere among the people involved, and the young women spend time that is stimulating and creative. The project also enables the young, disabled musicians to experience volunteering and looking after the migrants, setting aside for the duration of the workshop their reality of vulnerable disability.