Mencap launches new music event

Learning disability charity, Mencap, is to launch a classical music event, adding to its portfolio of events under the 'Mencap Music' brand.

After the success of Little Noise Sessions, Mencap's annual acoustic indie music events curated by Mencap ambassador Jo Whiley, the charity plans to reach new audiences by producing a variety of annual music events.

The Lost Proms, due to take place on 3 and 4 June 2008, will feature rarely performed lost and rediscovered classical music alongside more well known compositions. Highlights will include the first-ever London performance of Gershwin's original orchestration of his Rhapsody No 2. The two concerts will be held at Cadogan Hall and will feature the New London Orchestra and special guest soloists Catherine Bott and Jack Gibbons.

Money raised from Mencap Music events goes to the Mencap Arts Awards scheme, which enables children with a learning disability to take part in local arts projects, helping them to grow in confidence and self-esteem.

Vanessa Longley, head of fundraising at Mencap, said: "We created the Mencap Music brand in 2006 with the intention of gradually building up Mencaps portfolio of music events. Our goal is to have a collection of unique music events that appeal to different audiences, so we can maximise fundraising potential."

Tickets for the Lost Proms are priced at £20, £40 and £50.

www.mencapmusic.org.uk