News this week that Jess Gillam is launching another lockdown virtual scratch orchestra brought a smile to my face. As role models go Gillam’s activity throughout 2020 in response to COVID has been impressive, acting as a beacon for young musicians and amateurs alike. That along with her obvious industry, determination and spirit, not only…
Arts Council England and DCMS have today announced the latest tranche of grants given to arts and culture organisations across the country. The organisations who have received over £1 million in the second round are: Sheffield City Trust £2,243,000 The Lowry Centre Trust £3,000,000 North York Moors Historical Railway Trust £1,904,902 Academy Music Group Ltd…
Meet my new pal: Beethoven’s violin concerto. I was originally a little unsure of it when I first came across it. It wasn’t Tchaikovsky. Or Mendelssohn. Or Brahms. It seemed heavier, laden with I don’t know what. Much deference seemed to be paid to it. And it was long. Very long. Something has changed in…
Earlier this week I took a trip to Henry Wood Hall in London to hear Jack Liebeck recording Ysaye sonatas for Orchid Classics. I was only there for an hour, but hearing fractured sequences of a vaguely familiar piece created a moment that seemed to go on for ever. The live audience experience is right…
Sunday mornings are best. Cushioned escapes from the week gone by, all wrapped up in a fluffy dressing gown, sipping coffee from a mug. Outside, bushes flail around in the wind, and if I’m not mistaken there’s a little bit of drizzle too. Such wistful descriptions identify where I am at the present time, not…
Over the past few weeks I’ve enjoyed watching a host of new concert series online. I wanted to use this blog post to document what I’ve enjoyed, why I’ve enjoyed it, and share some thoughts on what could do with being improved a bit. What follows isn’t exhaustive. There’s a problem when you start scribbling…
It has been quite a day. There was occasion (much-missed these past few months); an unexpected shared sense of purpose; a sense of personal responsibility; and possibly even a feeling of vindication too. I suspect I’m a bit of a shit journalist. That’s what I thought when I headed back from the freelance musicians demonstration…
That Bell Music has continued for so long is testament to their spirit. We will no doubt see Mike Bell pop up somewhere or other. Consider this an early warning for similarly saddening announcements to come.
Orchestras need not worry about live, only creating a sense of occasion.
There is a sophisticated aspiration in the way ‘Recreation’ looks that is matched by what is heard.