Scottish member group Dunbartonshire Concert Band (DCB) were delighted to be chosen as guest editors for BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, where...
Making Music is delighted to announce that Dr Mark Lawrence has been awarded the national Lady Hilary Groves Prize for his outstanding contribution to music in the community.
Board member Clare Birks said that: “We were particularly impressed by Mark’s sustained commitment over 25 years to developing and celebrating the musical life of Bristol and the sheer range of his activities, from working with musicians of all ages and abilities in settings including health, care homes and schools, composing and performing contemporary operas through working collaboratively with adults and children to performances that bring together musicians from the community, schools, universities and opera groups.”
Making Music member group the Big Friendly Choir, which includes adults of mixed musical ability who find that singing helps them cope with physical and mental difficulties, nominated Mark for the award. Member, Frances Gee, said:
“Mark has encouraged us all, many of whom have never sung before, to sing to the highest standard that we can reach. We are all so grateful to have such a talented and patient conductor”.
Glynne Stackhouse, Making Music Board member, presented the award to Mark on 12 October at a performance of Mark’s latest opera, written with librettist Claire Williamson,1918: Home at Last. The opera featured 300 local children, massed adult choir, choristers, professional musicians and an ensemble. It was performed St Mary Redcliffe Church in Bristol on 12 and 13 October.
