Shaun Buswell, who is forming a London Underground orchestra (From Swindon Advertiser)

Shaun Buswell, who is forming a London Underground orchestra

10:30pm Thursday 10th January 2013 in News By Josh Layton

A ROVING Swindon musician has been given two new boosts of support as he takes on the challenge of forming an orchestra made up of strangers he has met on the London Underground.

Shaun Buswell has secured backing from children’s charity Daytrippers and has also been given the vote of confidence from a London Underground boss.

The rules of the 12/12/12 challenge had stipulated that the band of between 30 and 100 people must be ready to perform at one of 12 top London venues by December 12.

However, the performance has been moved to the O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire on January 26 after the Daytrippers charity for children with disabilities and life-limiting illnesses lent its support to the project. Nigel Holness, London Underground operations director, said “London Underground carries four million people every day, so we know what a rich mix of people there are in this great city of ours. “This will be a real eye-opener by showcasing the huge amount of talent to be found on the capital’s transport network, and we wish Shaun the very best in completing his challenge.”

Shaun, who is well-known on the Swindon music scene, has succeeded in recruiting the orchestra after a gruelling year of approaching strangers.

The 35-year-old still needs several more musicians with just two weeks to spare.

“It’s been an incredibly long time and lots of work,” he said.

Shaun, of Stratton, has also played three mini-concerts as he warms up for the main event.

Under the rules of the challenge, which is supported by Transport For London, the musicians must be carrying their instrument – or part of it – when Shaun approaches them for the first time.

The main Underground Orchestra event will premiere a documentary of Shaun’s journey carrying out the challenge, along with a live music performance.

Visit www.121212.org.uk or follow @121212challenge on Twitter.

To book for the event visit: http://www.ticketweb.co.uk/event/the-121212-underground-orchestra-challenge-tickets/22955