About

Fantastique! for Schools

Fantastique! for Schools is an innovative music education project which uses the works of Hector Berlioz as a basis for engaging children aged 8 to 13 with classical music through enjoyable, informative, hands-on activities and experiences.

We have created a package of free and easy to use online resources, including lesson plans, factsheets, audio and video clips, activity guides, worksheets and teacher packs. Presented in an attractive, child- and teacher-friendly format, these downloadable resources can be used both in the classroom, and online.

The “Hector” character who features on the website and in each of the lessons, modelled on the young Hector Berlioz and with distinctive red hair, has been created by Holly Newnham and animated by Nick Stewart.

Fantastique! for Schools has been developed in partnership with Bristol Beacon, the highly regarded music education hub for the Bristol area, and lesson plans have been developed by Bristol-area teachers.

We would like to thank the New Berlioz Edition Trust, the Foyle Foundation, the D’Oyly Carte Charitable Trust, the Jeremy and John Sacher Charitable Trust and the Adrian Swire Charitable Trust for their generous support.

We would also like to thank the London Symphony Orchestra, the award-winning record label LSO Live and Aurora Orchestra for the provision of valuable, high-quality audio and video material for incorporation in the Fantastique! for Schools resources.

join the programme

Berlioz 150

Berlioz 150 is the charity behind Fantastique! for Schools. It was founded to mark the 150th anniversary in 2019 of Hector Berlioz’s death, and to use his life and career to inspire young people with a lifelong love of music and singing.

Berlioz 150 is a registered charity in the UK (Charity Number 1173910). It brings together significant expertise from across the music industry through its Patrons, Trustees, advisors and staff. The charity is led by Julien Planté (Project Director) who is supported by an expert Board, chaired by Lord (Alastair) Aberdare, which includes expertise in policy, education, arts, and music.

The Trustees are also able to call on advice from the Berlioz 150 Advisory Committee, which includes leading Berlioz scholars from the UK and beyond.

Berlioz 150 is supported by 15 distinguished Patrons, led by Patron-in-Chief David Cairns CBE, the leading authority in the world on Berlioz, author of Berlioz’s definitive biography and translator of his Memoirs. Other Patrons include many of today’s leading conductors and performers of Berlioz from across the world.

Berlioz 150 is a Corporate Partner at Music Mark. 

For more info, visit the Berlioz 150 website.