Southend music group wows audiences with show in Italy

The Music Man Project, founded in Southend by David Stanley BEM, has joined its international friends and music group, Allegro Moderato, for a special performance in Italy.

The group, a multi-award-winning and record-breaking disability charity, hosted Music is Magic in Milan at the Teatro Lyrico with Allegro Moderato.

Former Southend West and Leigh MP, Anna Firth, and patron of the charity, also flew out with the group to show her support.

Support - Former MP Anna Firth joins the group in Italy (Image: Jon Webber)

Mr Stanley said: "It was amazing. It is the beginning of an international partnership which will lead the world in global accessible arts and culture.

"It makes me feel so proud of what we have all been able to achieve - the students, their parents and carers, volunteers, trustees and supporters.

"We are a great big musical family, which is growing around the world."

The Music Man Project was originally founded in Southend before expanding to 14 centres across the UK.

Smiles - Music Man ambassadors performing in Italy (Image: Jon Webber)

Mr Stanley said: "I always hoped my students could perform at venues like the London Palladium and Royal Albert Hall but travelling around the world to inspire people and perform in places like San Diego in USA, Nova Scotia in Canada and now Milan in Italy has surpassed my wildest expectations.

"Previously, I have spread my approach to music education for disabled people to India, the Philippines, Nepal and South Africa on my own, but it is so much more fun and effective when our inspirational musicians from Southend do it with me."

Happy - Dancing on the stage (Image: Jon Webber)

The Music Man Project now has more than 200 children and adults with learning disabilities from across the UK who are part of the project.

Anna Firth, the former Southend West and Leigh MP, added: "As Patron of the Music Man Project, I was delighted to fly with them to support their Italian Music is Magic premier.

Special - Founder David Stanley (Image: Jon Webber)

"The 1,500 seat theatre was packed, and as always, the Music Man completely lit up the stage and had everyone dancing in their seats.

"Southend's Music Man ambassadors led so ably by David Stanley, are the very best of Britain and of Southend. They are the very embodiment that disability is no barrier to ambition."