Our projects

The Winch Choir

The Winch Choir is one of the first community initiatives launched by the newly established Maria Vraka Foundation. Created in collaboration with the Winch charity, the project offers children the opportunity to experience high-quality musical training and to work together towards a culminating performance.

Alongside regular rehearsals, the programme also includes informal performances by professional musicians, allowing the children to experience live music up close and be inspired in a relaxed and accessible setting.

The project has been made possible through the generosity of the Barnes family. Lily Petrova was honoured to receive the Jacob Barnes Award, and the funding associated with the award has directly enabled the creation of the Winch Choir. The Foundation is deeply grateful for their support in helping to bring meaningful musical opportunities to young people.

Music in Care

Music in Care is an annual charitable concert initiative presented at the Royal London Hospital. Organised by Nikita Demidenko and the Maria Vraka Foundation, the project brings carefully curated live performances into hospital spaces, supporting patients and families across generations — including children, pregnant women, new mothers, and elderly patients — during periods of vulnerability and recovery.

Each edition of the project features a concise recital programme, designed with close attention to the clinical setting and the particular sensitivities of its audience. The repertoire is selected for its structural clarity, expressive depth, and suitability for an intimate environment, ensuring that the musical experience remains focused, measured, and appropriate to the context.

By establishing an ongoing artistic presence within a medical institution, Music in Care affirms the place of professional performance within spaces dedicated to treatment and wellbeing. As an annual event, it reflects the Maria Vraka Foundation’s sustained commitment to socially engaged cultural practice, extending access to high-quality live music to those who may benefit from it most.

The Maria Vraka Foundation initiates projects aimed at supporting young musicians, fostering music education, and developing new creative endeavors. Concerts, masterclasses, educational programs, and collaborations with leading musicians create a space for new ideas and opportunities. This section presents both current and past projects, each contributing to the enrichment of musical culture.

We envision expanding our programs to include a wide range of innovative and impactful activities. Below is a showcase of future projects, each designed to inspire, heal, and connect through the power of music:

● For Children’s Programs:

1. Little Melodies - Weekly music lessons for young beginners, nurturing their love for music.

2. Tiny Virtuosos - Group classes for children to explore instruments and build foundational skills.

3. Confidence Crescendo - Performance opportunities for children to showcase their progress and build self-esteem.

4. Harmony Kids - Music therapy sessions designed to help children manage stress and express themselves creatively.

5. Rhythm Explorers - Fun, interactive classes introducing children to rhythm, movement, and basic music theory.

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● For Adult Programs:

1. Soulful Sounds - Stress-relief music therapy sessions for adults, promoting relaxation and emotional well-being.

2. Community Concerts - Free performances featuring local and guest artists, open to all members of the community.

3. Melodic Minds - Workshops and lectures on music history, theory, and appreciation for adult learners.

4. Strum & Sing - Group classes for adults to learn guitar, ukulele, or voice in a supportive environment.

5. Healing Harmonies - Therapeutic music sessions for adults dealing with stress, anxiety, or other emotional challenges.

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● For Professional Development:

1. Teach with Passion - Professional development courses for young teachers, focusing on pedagogy and classroom management.

2. Masterclass Moments - Transformative sessions led by renowned musicians, offering insights into performance and teaching.

3. Educator’s Ensemble - Collaborative workshops for teachers to share best practices and refine their skills.

4. Inspire Through Music - Training programs for recent graduates to become effective and inspiring music educators.

5. Art of Teaching - Courses on adaptive teaching strategies for working with students with special needs or stress-related disorders.

6. Masterclasses on Leadership - Masterclasses on leadership are crucial for early career professionals because it helps them build a strong foundation for growth by developing emotional intelligence, communication skills, and confidence.

7. Masterclasses on Unlimited Creativity - This course would involve interactive elements like group collaboration, guest speakers, personalized feedback, and practical projects, ultimately equipping participants with the tools and confidence to consistently think outside the box.

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● For Community Engagement:

1. Music for All - Free concerts and events in community centers, celebrating the power of music to unite.

2. Open Mic Nights - Monthly events where community members can showcase their talents in a supportive environment.

3. Cultural Harmonies - Collaborative projects with local organizations, celebrating diverse musical traditions.

4. Music in the Park - Outdoor concerts and performances, bringing music to public spaces.

5. Community Chorus - A choir open to all community members, fostering connection through group singing.

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● For Outreach Programs:

1. Music Heals - Outreach programs bringing Sound Sanctuary to schools, hospitals, and care homes.

2. Instruments of Hope - Providing instruments and lessons to underprivileged students through scholarships.

3. Harmony in Hospitals - Musical performances and workshops for patients and staff in healthcare settings.

4. School of Sound - Bringing music education to schools that lack resources for arts programs.

5. Elder Melodies - Music therapy and performances for seniors in care homes, promoting joy and connection.

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● For Special Events:

1. Music Celebration - Annual gala concert showcasing the talents of students, teachers, and guest artists.

2. Festival of Strings - A weekend event dedicated to string instruments, featuring workshops and performances.

3. Piano Palooza - A day-long celebration of piano music, with recitals, masterclasses, and competitions.

4. Voices of Camden - A community singing event, bringing together voices from all walks of life.

5. Rhythm Revival - A percussion-focused event, exploring rhythms from around the world.

PROJECTS SHOWCASE

COLLABORATE WITH US

At the Maria Vraka Foundation, we believe in the power of partnership to amplify our impact. We invite like-minded organizations, cultural institutions, and forward-thinking companies to join us in creating innovative projects that support young musicians, advance music education, and inspire new artistic possibilities. Whether through sponsorships, co-hosted events, or shared educational initiatives, collaboration allows us to expand our reach and bring fresh creative visions to life. Together, we can cultivate a vibrant future for music and nurture the next generation of talent.