The BSO exists to bring music into people’s lives: we believe there’s nothing like the life-empowering impact of music to unite communities and provide an outlet for creativity. Alongside our symphonic performances in concert halls across the South West over the coming weeks, we’re proud that people of all ages will be sharing music within their local communities as part of our broad mix of BSO Participate output.
Festive music can, for many people, create feelings of warmth and belonging, triggering the joy centres in our brains. And, for the various groups we lead across the region, the festive season represents a special moment to gather and celebrate the year’s work, as well as the supportive connections and friendships formed across the year – and hopefully enjoy a mince pie or two as well!
Here’s a roundup of festive events coming up from the BSO’s community-based groups this month:
Bristol Recovery Orchestra takes part in BDP Creative Communities Winter Show
Held at The Trinity Centre, Bristol, on Monday 1 December, Bristol Recovery Orchestra – run in partnership with Bristol Drugs Project (BDP) – performs as part of an event showcase which also features choir Rising Voices.
The BSO Associate Musician violinist Emma Welton is joined by percussionist Matt Brown, and tuba player, Ed Ashby. Together, they unite with Bristol Recovery Orchestra for this occasion. BDP says “If you’re looking for a way to kick start your festive season with a warm glow – this is it.” Tickets are free and available here
Musicians from Bristol Recovery Orchestra
Somerset Wellbeing Orchestra festive sharing
Somerset Wellbeing Orchestra is a weekly group held at the Ark at Egwood to support people’s mental health and social connections through the transformative power of collective music making. On Tuesday 2 December the group holds its final session of the term and sharing for friends and family.
Somerset Wellbeing Orchestra
Music-making continues at Dorset County Hospital
Every week our musicians create music with patients and staff at Dorset County Hospital, in partnership with Arts in Hospital, and at Christmas they take a special moment to play festive music together. On Wednesday 3 and Thursday 11 December there’ll also be short recitals performed at Damers Restaurant at the hospital from 12noon.
Winter-themed Cake Concert at Lighthouse, Poole
There’s a special winter-themed Cake Concert in the gallery space at Lighthouse Poole on Thursday 4 December. Specifically developed for people living with dementia, but open to all, BSO Cake Concerts are relaxed chamber performances in an informal and relaxed environment, combining classical repertoire in a social setting with tea, coffee and cake.
Cake concert attendees
Exeter Community Family Orchestra gathers together
Exeter Community Family Orchestra gathers for a full day of music-making on Sunday 7 December. There’ll be a festive slant to proceedings and we’re expecting a very merry occasion as intergenerational groups play together!
Royal Albert Memorial Museum, Exeter
On Tuesday 9 December there’ll be an intergenerational dementia friendly concert with local school children at the Royal Albert Memorial Museum, Exeter. Come along to celebrate the season of log fires with classical favourites in a beautiful art gallery space. There will be light music and a chance to share tunes, gingerbread and company with a local primary school choir.
Brass about town!
On Friday 12 December musicians from the BSO will be spreading festive cheer as they share live music in Boscombe’s Sovereign Centre for local shoppers. Later that day they’ll travel to Alderney Hospital in Poole to continue spreading good tidings and joy.
Musicians play music for shoppers
BSO Voices create a Winter Wonderland in Southampton
What’s better than the sound of a large community choir raising its voice in song? Not much in our opinion! Our Southampton-based community choir, BSO Voices rehearse throughout the year and Christmas presents the perfect opportunity for them to come together and sing a selection of heart-warming winter classics. This year is extra special too as they’re celebrating their 10-year anniversary! For tickets to the event on Saturday 13 December and more information click here.
Boscombe Community Orchestra sharing event
On Tuesday 16 December Boscombe’s Community Orchestra concludes its autumn term, sharing music for friends and family, celebrating the music they have made over the year.
Boscombe Community Orchestra is a specialist support-led group run in partnership with The Old School House, Boscombe, that focuses on music making. It provides members of the Boscombe community with the opportunity to listen to, create, and play music alongside other people in a safe and supportive environment.