Music Matters: Lockdown unlocks power of music

There are thousands of examples of music breaking down the lockdown blues. Music has been a powerful force in bringing individuals and households together, the catalyst for raising huge sums of money for charities and emotionally conveying messages of hope for the future. 

Lady Gaga curated the global One World: Together At Home concert last month, featuring some of the biggest names in music (Little Mix are pictured)celebrating healthcare workers. Over 100 artists performed songs from their homes and the event was reported to have raised almost £102m for charities. 

In the UK the magnificent Captain Tom Moore became the oldest artist to reach No. 1 in the Official

Singles Chart through his duet of ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’, with Michael Ball, raising even more funds for the NHS Charities Together fund.

Music was also at the heart of last week’s VE Day Bank Holiday. too, with a singalong of Vera Lynn’s We’ll Meet Again following The Queen’s address to the nation.

Whilst VE Day events were only a shadow of those planned before the lockdown, musical accompaniment still provided the soundscape for acts of remembrance and thanksgiving across the country. Solo pipers, doorstep choirs, the haunting sound of The Last Post and rousing choruses of the National Anthem. 

Musicians locally continue to perform and share their skills in lockdown. Online classes and rehearsals have provided continuity and a welcome distraction to the daily news. 

Stamford Arts Centre (along with Grantham Guildhall) has introduced a new fortnightly e-newsletter, bringing together some of the highlights of local creative activity. If you would like to join the mailing list email [email protected] , or to view the latest copy visit www.stamfordartscentre.com

Meanwhile, closer to home the Peterborough Centre for Young Musicians is looking to introduce a series of online lessons too. If your children would like further information on joining PCYM, then email: [email protected]

Young players and audiences can also find inspiration from the 2020 BBC Young Musician of the Year. BBC Four have begun broadcast highlights of each of the Category Finals while the complete concerts will be available in full on the BBC iPlayer.

Peterborough Cathedral has introduced video services, with pre-recorded performances from the choir and from members of the wider Cathedral community. Visit: www.peterborough- cathedral.org.uk for times and links. 

There’s certainly no excuse not to enjoy some excellent music this month and whilst it’s not always quite “live” right now, it is performed from the heart, helping bring us together in ways that live events can’t during this period of isolation and distance. 

Stay safe and keep making music matter this month.