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Music for Everyone (MfE) has celebrated its 40th birthday this year, marking it with a celebratory music experience at the Albert Hall in Nottingham.
Founded as the Nottingham Choral Trust by Angela Kay MBE and hosting a single concert in 1983, MfE has grown considerably over the years to become a major arts organisation in the city and region, organising open access choirs and orchestras and inspiring people to make great music together.
To mark forty years of remarkable creative achievement, MfE put together a two-day celebration on 1 and 2 July 2023. Supported by a grant from Arts Council England, this event showcased women in music leadership - not only Angela herself, but also a new commission by composer Libby Croad and a team of ten conductors made up of as many women as men. Over 400 enthusiastic performers showcased their musical talents in the two concerts. There was also an exhibition on site, illustrating highlightes of MfE's story over the past four decades.
Peter Knott, Midlands Area Director of Arts Council England, said of this grant:
'Music has the power to fire imagination, self-expression and creativity and we’re delighted to be supporting this new season of work through our National Lottery funding. As we celebrate Music for Everyone’s 40th anniversary, I’d like to pay tribute to founder Angela Kay for her commitment to making music accessible to all - from creating new choral and music opportunities for young people to inspiring and celebrating female role models.'
Margaret Hamilton, singer, said of the concerts:
'It was a wonderful celebration concert (...) Well done to all the MfE staff for their hard work. It is a privilege to participate in the MfE choirs and concerts. Long may they continue!'
Joan Bray, singer, also said of the celebration:
'It was great to both take part and listen to all the other music. Well done and thank you MfE team for all your hard work, very well organised. You got me singing about 50 years after my last effort and it makes me very happy.'
Find out more about Music for Everyone on their website and follow them on Facebook / Twitter / Instagram.
