On 8 December, the UK Government announced that England will move to Plan B of the COVID-19 Autumn/Winter Plan. This is in response to increased risks posed by the Omicron variant of the virus.
This is not a lockdown - under Plan B measures, music group activities (rehearsing and performing) can still go ahead.
Making Music is sad to hear of the passing of Alex Murchie (1946-2021) who was a true friend to the organisation and an ever supportive volunteer, North Committee and Board member over the decades, as well as a very fine singer. Eric Cross of Newcastle Bach Choir, and Robin Osterley, former Chief Executive of Making Music, pay tribute below.
A tribute from Eric Cross, Newcastle Bach Choir:
Dan Goren, founding director of Composers Edition, talks about their fresh approach to contemporary music, publishing and leisure-time music making.
When we first launched our unique publishing service in 2013, it was to provide today’s hard-working composers with the means to reach a wide range of musicians and programmers, in a way that put them more in charge of their music. We did so knowing the amazing array of music composed today and that far more people could be enjoying performing and listening to contemporary repertoire than have traditionally done so.
The most recent data about the spread of Covid infections at leisure-time music group rehearsals shows that 4% of reported infections involved more than two individuals.
The app, created by abcd (Association of British Choral Directors) and Making Music, is intended to help understand ongoing Covid risks, and what guidance to offer.
Now that images of bustling streets, packed stadia and night-time revellers have returned to our screens, you’d be forgiven for thinking the pandemic is over. But recently published research from the Audience Agency Cultural Participation Monitor (September 2021) and Insights Alliance (Indigo, Baker Richards, OneFurther, November 2021) show that a large chunk of cultural performance-going audiences are still missing.
Graeme Wilson, musical director and conductor of Kirkcaldy Orchestral Society (KOS), tells the story of how KOS revived the musical legacy of a forgotten WWI soldier.
In a new blog for Adopt a Music Creator 2020/21, Hepton Singers MD Richard Bunzl recounts an inspiring visit from Fergus Hall as their collaboration gathers momentum.
Founder and director Graham Suggett explores the services offered by our new corporate member Creative Tax Reliefs.
Creative Tax Reliefs offers expert accountancy and tax advice for orchestras and instrumental ensembles. It was founded in 2017 by Graham Suggett, a former Lead Tax specialist with HMRC’s Creative Industries Unit.
The Orchestra Tax Relief (OTR) scheme was introduced in April 2016 to encourage and support the creation of orchestral concerts. However, despite its name, it can also apply to other instrumental groups.
Communications and Marketing Manager Fi Simpson presents Music Mark's first ever hybrid annual conference - Fast Forward: Technology and Music Education - happening in person and online from 2-3 December, with on-demand sessions available before and after the event.
As many leisure-time music groups are back in the swing of in-person activity, we want you to tell us about your plans and how things are going — from booking your venue right up to that special Christmas performance!
In 250-450 words, please include:
For all our updates and opportunities
