Wolverhampton Music Service to launch winter showcase

Monday, 23 November 2020 14:58

Wolverhampton Music Service is preparing to launch a Winter Music Festival to reconnect and inspire young musicians across the city to make music together.

The festival will begin in December. Members of 13 bands, orchestras and ensembles will be invited to take part and their performances will be showcased digitally every Friday on the Music Service’s YouTube channel.

Recorded by young musicians separately at home, performances will include a mixture of festive and other music - offering them the chance to explore a variety of suitably challenging and enjoyable repertoire. The first performance will be released on Friday 4 December. To view the performances, please visit https://bit.ly/38Z7WNj.

Ciaran O’Donnell, Head of Wolverhampton Music Service, said: “We hope that the Winter Music Festival will inspire our young people to once again experience the simple and enjoyable pleasure of making music together, despite the ongoing Covid-19 restrictions.

"We all know that music, more than any other art form, has the power to give us an immediate emotional boost, so this may be just what many of us need this winter."

One of those who will be taking part is young musician Charlotte Clews. She said: “Being part of making music together is what we all love to do and I’m so glad we can still take part in concerts with Wolverhampton Music Service. It feels like we’re members of the group again and, even though it’s virtual, it is one step closer to a feeling of normality.”

Councillor Dr Michael Hardacre, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, said: “Music is a particularly important part of a young person's education, and our Music Service has been working incredibly hard to ensure students can continue their learning journey throughout the coronavirus pandemic.

“I look forward to pupils being able to showcase their talents in the Winter Music Festival beginning next month."

Wolverhampton Music Service provides quality teaching for children and young people across the city, including the chance to perform with Wolverhampton Youth Orchestra and Wolverhampton Youth Wind Orchestra. To find out more, please visit www.wolverhamptonmusicservice.org.uk.