Martin Roscoe kicks off the 2021 Online Recital Series

It goes without saying that all musicians are sorely missing the opportunity to bring music to you in person. Live entertainment and culture has been proven to be highly beneficial for our well-being, and is a lifeline for many people who are isolated and vulnerable. Whilst there is hope on the horizon with the vaccination programme in full swing, a packed auditorium with a vibrant atmosphere still feels a long way off.

We are still uncertain whether the June 2021 Festival can go ahead using our usual venues, however we will keep you informed as the situation unfolds. Do stay tuned for some exciting news in the coming weeks regarding an alternative festival format and some innovative projects in the pipeline for the summer.

In the meantime, I am pleased to announce the commencement of a weekly online recital series, LIVE from St Mary’s Church in Barrow, starting next Sunday 14 February at 6pm with pianist Martin Roscoe. Simply click on this link to view the concert (free of charge)

Updates will be sent each week about further concerts in the series. Initially, we will only be able to feature the few artists based locally, but hopefully once travel restrictions are eased, we can add to our roster with programmes for up to two artists. You can also check our website for further.

One of the reasons this online series has been possible is that the piano used for our annual festival, the wonderful Steinway model ‘D’ concert grand, is not in regular use nationwide and the piano company have agreed to allow us to keep it in residence in this large church with its fine acoustic – perfect for such a powerful instrument. We are grateful to Father Emanuel Gribben – himself a very capable pianist – for his support and enthusiasm for this venture.