News

Post date: Wednesday, 1 September 2021 - 12:16pm

Jane Whittle, founder and managing director of The film Orchestra, talks us through an eventful return to rehearsing and performing for her group.

Post date: Thursday, 26 August 2021 - 4:57pm

Following the resounding success of the Messiah Reimagined performances on 3 December 2020 and 5 April 2021, the London Handel Festival is thrilled to present Handel’s masterpiece once again!

Post date: Thursday, 26 August 2021 - 4:47pm

We are thrilled to reveal the shortlist for the 2021 Making Music Awards, which will form part of an online celebratory evening of musical creativity on Wednesday 8 September.

The awards celebrate leisure-time music groups and their activity, and the often unrecognised talent that helps the sector to flourish across the UK.

The winner of the latest President’s Award (for exceptional voluntary service to Making Music) and the Lady Hilary Groves Prize (for an outstanding contribution to music in the community) will also be awarded.

Post date: Wednesday, 25 August 2021 - 1:10pm

As the COP26 UN Climate Summit draws near, music makers from all walks of life are invited to make a noise for climate justice.

Following the viral success of rousing climate song ‘Enough is Enough’ by Karine Polwart, the Soundhouse Choir and Oi Musica in November 2020, the artists involved are launching a global call-out for anyone and everyone to get involved, sharing a message for world leaders ahead of critical talks due to be held in Glasgow from 1-12 November.

Post date: Thursday, 19 August 2021 - 4:29pm

Choral composer, Chris Hutchings, reflects on the difference that choirs can make to protecting our planet

Singing in a choir is about the most environmentally friendly possible way of performing music: we just need our voices and maybe a few bits of paper.

Post date: Tuesday, 17 August 2021 - 5:40pm

Now in their second year, the Making Music awards will feature a brand new category for 2021: Group Hero!

The Group Hero Award is for an individual, small team or committee who have gone above and beyond to keep their leisure-time music group together through the challenges of 2020. Now, we're asking you to vote for your favourite Group Hero. The winner will be announced at the Making Music AGM and awards ceremony on Wednesday 8 September.

Post date: Friday, 6 August 2021 - 4:39pm

In a new diary entry for Adopt a Composer 2019/20, Laura Shipsey recounts how her composition for City of Bristol Brass Band took a different turn in the wake of Covid.

Post date: Monday, 26 July 2021 - 3:42pm

The Creative Lives Awards - formerly the Epic Awards - are an annual celebration of the achievements of voluntary and community-led creativity. These awards are particularly popular among our membership, with many leisure-time music groups having been nominated and won prizes over the years!

Post date: Thursday, 22 July 2021 - 5:37pm

Jen Beardsmore, secretary of Brewood Singers, outlines the steps her group took to make a safe return to in-person music making.

Post date: Wednesday, 21 July 2021 - 1:56pm

Now that the government has lifted the majority of lockdown restrictions, some music groups are starting to think about how to keep going and ensure that their members stay engaged. To help support our member groups with these concerns, we have pulled together a list of some of our relevant services.