Yehudi Menuhin is remembered as the finest violinist of his generation, but what many don’t know is the extraordinary work he did to take music to people in desperate situations. He performed for soldiers returning from World War II, and survivors of the Belsen concentration camp, bringing them renewed hope and joy. It was on this basis that he founded the charity Live Music Now, whose musicians now perform in hospitals, care homes and special schools all around the UK.
This year is the centenary of Menuhin’s birth. In North Yorkshire, the local branch of Live Music Now are celebrating this important landmark with a special fundraising event at The Garden Rooms, Tennants in Leyburn on Friday 14th October. Tickets are now on sale for A Celebration of Live Music Now, featuring performances by some of the young professional musicians who deliver this work including lively jazz quintet Steppin’ Out and flute and harp duo Meridiem.
“Each year we train young professional musicians to share their talents with thousands of people who rarely have the chance to experience live music” said LMN North East Branch Director Helen Mahoney “This event will not only showcase some of our exceptionally talented young musicians but will also help raise vital funds to continue our work in Yorkshire”
LMN musicians deliver over 600 interactive performances and workshops in special schools, hospitals, care homes, day centres and community venues across the region each year. North Yorkshire is one of the main areas in which we operate, with projects including:
- Songs & Scones Ryedale – tackling loneliness by bringing together isolated older people living in rural parts of Ryedale for a monthly concert, socialising and cake. Working in partnership with Ryedale Carers Support enables 70 people a month who are rarely able to leave their homes to enjoy live music of the highest quality in a supportive environment where new friends can be made“It’s something to which I look forward. It is good to see so many happy faces amongst those who have their problems. It brings you out of yourself and cheers you up!’
‘I hope that Songs & Scones keeps going for a long time. It’s very important for older people to get out socially and meet people’
- Live Music Outside the Mainstream – giving every special school and pupil referral unit in North Yorkshire has the opportunity to receive interactive performances and hands – on workshops from professional musicians. By bringing musicians directly to them, the project removes some of the barriers to musical participation for children who are outside mainstream education and introduces them to a wide range of musical genres they would not be able to experience otherwise
“All three performers interacted wonderfully with the pupils. They responded to each individual and got maximum engagement from them. One younger pupil who would not come into the hall for such events last year remained throughout and even plucked the guitar. No other visitors have the reach and power of involvement with the children that we witness with LMN musicians” – teacher, The Dales School, Northallerton - Musicians in Residence in Selby – a new initiative in partnership with NYMAZ which will see alternative folk / pop group Maia working with young people from some of the most disadvantaged communities in North Yorkshire to write and perform their own music, learn new skills and build confidence.
- Music in Care Homes – musicians regularly visit care homes in North Yorkshire, bringing concert hall quality performances to older people who are unable to hear live music anywhere else. Each concert is interactive, offering opportunities for residents to join in, learn more about the music that is being played or simply enjoy listening.
“The concert was just fabulous! Chloe sang like a bird and Stephenie played the keyboard perfectly. Chloe interacted with all the residents who said it was the best concert they’ve had. One resident was quite tearful because Chloe sang so well”- Borrage House Care Home, Ripon
Tickets cost £40 which includes a drinks reception and buffet supper and are available from www.ticketsource.co.uk/live-music-now
For more information, please contact: Helen Mahoney [email protected] / 07766660549
A Celebration of Live Music Now is sponsored by Saffrey Champness
