Next week we launch a new concert season that will break new ground in the way that we share live music, as we invite audiences from anywhere in the world to come and watch events from our wonderful Auditorium online. Our new livestream programme includes a range of new experiences, including online pre-concert talks, a live chat during the performances where you can share your feedback and get insights into the music, and a post-concert Q&A with the artists in the Green Room immediately after the show. In these ways we are working to find ways of responding positively and creatively to the unwelcome presence of Covid-19.
We continue to serve our communities and audiences who are less able to visit concert halls and engage with the online experience, and there is a very moving account this week of how the Celebrating Age Wiltshire project is connecting with more vulnerable older people in the county. Our talent development programme continues as we look forward to welcoming the Wiltshire Youth Jazz Orchestra back to the venue for their first physical course and concert later this autumn.
Find out more about what's on and how you can get involved below.
Claire Martin OBE / Nikki Iles FRI 16 OCT 6PM / 8PM
Former WMC Artist in Residence, sensational singer Claire Martin OBE is joined by multi-award-winning jazz pianist Nikki Iles to open our new mini-season, with a selection of classic songs and fresh arrangements inspired by the great jazz pianist Bill Evans. A sophisticated and classy night of music making is guaranteed!
Watch live at WMC or online as part of our new livestream series.
Last week, Celebrating Age Wiltshire took to the streets in Amesbury and Warminster to give older, isolated people a performance to remember. Local musicians, Rebecca and Lucy performed 11 doorstep concerts, featuring a wide range of music especially arranged for two violins, including folk, popular songs & classical favourites — something for everyone at a safe distance. For the residents who had been shielding and who hadn't been able to access support online, these individual serenades provided a vital boost for their wellbeing.
The live performances continued in Trowbridge where a trio of musicians from the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment gave a special performance for residents at Florence Court extra care housing. CAW Creative Producer said:
"It's amazing to be back sharing music with Celebrating Age audiences in person and to see the joy that these experiences can inspire."
Wiltshire Youth Jazz Orchestra
AUTUMN COURSE: 17 - 18 OCT
After months of virtual projects following WMC’s closure in light of the Covid-19 pandemic, we're looking forward to welcoming back talented young jazz musicians in the Wiltshire Youth Jazz Orchestra (WYJO) for a two-day residential course next weekend. The players will be learning repertoire for their upcoming performance at WMC in November, with direction from Mike Daniels and support from expert tutors.
WYJO is welcoming applications from young musicians Grade 6 or above with an interest in developing as a jazz musician. For more information about the ensemble and to register your interest, please contact creativelearning@wiltshiremusic.org.uk for more information.
In the advent of our Autumn Winter season and as we prepare to welcome our wonderful artists back to WMC, we want to say a special thank you to The Swan Hotel. For many years The Swan has supported us by providing accommodation for our visiting artists and looked after them so well; they play a vital role in ensuring our artists thoroughly enjoy their visit to the Centre and to Bradford-on-Avon.
The charming grade II listed coaching inn has twelve stylish and well-appointed rooms and is known locally for its traditional pub food and selection of ales. The Swan is also home to the Thai Chilli Restaurant serving mouth-watering authentic Thai cuisine to dine in or take away.
Reopening the Centre, gradually reintroducing live events and committing to vital community projects would not be possible without donations to the Centre’s Community Fundraising Appeal and the generous support of our Friends, sponsors and supporters. Thank you!
Now, we need your help to reach our £60,000 target to fulfil our plans to put the community centre stage.
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Please note that Wiltshire Music Centre is now operating a reduced staff team, working from home so please bear with us as we try to process enquiries as quickly as possible.
