Orchestra shares the joy of live music

Babergh District Council has partnered with a national charity to bring an exciting musical experience to residents.

The council’s ongoing work with producer Orchestras Live has seen a professional orchestra making stops across the district to share the joy of live music with residents.

Four musicians from Sinfonia Viva held sessions at the Tattingstone Good Neighbour Scheme at Tattingstone Village Hall, the Bridge Project at AFC Sudbury and Dementia Café at the Ansell Centre in Hadleigh.

During the sessions, the musicians performed a range of music and handed out instruments to members of the audience for some active music-making.

Cllr Deborah Saw, deputy leader of Babergh District Council and cabinet member for people and place (west), said:

"Music can connect people in so many ways. It’s great to be able to bring these types of events into community settings across our district and see the real impact it can have on our residents. 

"We want to ensure that everyone has access to activities that can improve their quality of life, allow creativity and support their wellbeing.”

Babergh District Council organised the events as part of its commitment to supporting its residents in all stages of their lives, encouraging everyone to feel engaged with meaningful activities where they live.

It has been the latest project in a series of collaborations between Babergh District Council and Orchestras Live, with a more long-term plan of events intended for the future.

Cllr Sallie Davies, cabinet member for people and place (east) at Babergh District Council, said:

"It’s incredible to see what can be achieved by working in partnership with our fantastic existing community organisations and charities such as Orchestras Live.  

"We want to provide activities that keep even the most vulnerable members of our communities feeling involved and engaged – and Sinfonia Viva hit all the right notes in doing that!”

Stuart Bruce, senior creative producer at Orchestras Live, said:

"The partnership between Orchestras Live and Babergh District Council has seen many exciting projects happen over the years.

"This new event involved several groups of older people having a joyful experience of live music in their locality and we hope it will be just the start of many further projects that reach and support vulnerable people in this part of Suffolk”.