More than 2500 children will pack The Bridgewater Hall in Manchester on Wednesday 27th January for Camerata Live - part of the Songbook of the Earth. This week's event is designed to introduce the children to Manchester Camerata and inspire them to create songs of their own.

Inspired by Mahler's Das Leid von der Erde, the project is creating a new song cycle called Songbook of the Earth based on young people's responses to the environment and the environmental challenges facing the planet. Camerata Live will be presented by poet Terry Caffrey, composer Kate Pearson, Camerata musician Helen Quayle, and the orchestra's music Director Douglas Boyd.

Songbook of the Earth is part of a year-long programme of learning work involving schools in Chester, The Wirral and Greater Manchester, delivered in collaboration with Chester Festivals and supported by the Bank of America Charitable Foundation.