LONDON.-Youth Music, the National Gallery, photographer Rankin and the best names in British music have teamed up to support the launch of Youth Music Week 2007.

On 24 October, a day of workshops, masterclasses and showcases in the National Gallery will kick-start the largest series of music events ever put on for young people in England and Wales.

This groundbreaking cross-arts event has been made possible as a result of the collaboration between Youth Music and the National Gallery.

Young musicians and the public will be able to see, hear, and sample the best of Youth Music’s work. Workshops in six categories – Jazz, Urban, Early Years, Drumming, Singing and Songwriting – will take inspiration from the richness and diversity of the National Gallery’s permanent collection and the Scratch the Surface exhibition, to create unique workshops and performances.

The workshops will take place in rooms throughout the Gallery and will focus on paintings from 1250 to 1900. Six spaces in the Gallery will be transformed into aural environments for the day, each reflecting and interacting with the art around them. The sessions will be led by Youth Music’s qualified music leaders in collaboration with arts professionals from the National Gallery. Places are limited to 30 children and young people per workshop, operating on a first come first served basis. Look out for further announcements regarding masterclass leaders.

Rankin has supported the launch by shooting a series of portraits of some of the best established and new acts in British music, including Faithless, Goldie, Hayley Westenra, Beverley Knight, Pull Tiger Tail, Lil’ Chris and Courtney Pine – all wearing the signature Youth Music headphones!

During Youth Music Week (24 October–1 November), Youth Music Action Zones – which operate primarily in areas of social and economic need across England and Wales – will roll out a series of taster sessions and workshops showcasing their work. From beatboxing to playing the oboe, there’s something to try at each and every Action Zone.