Kendal joined cities and towns around the world on Friday as part of Global Make Music Day. Members of the Westmorland Orchestra and guests performed in the Westmorland Shopping Centre and the Birdcage in the town centre.
Shoppers and tourists were entertained with music ranging from “Bring Me Sunshine” and the theme from Blackadder, to Mozart’s Impresario Overture.
Mrs Silverton of Kendal sat and listened as orchestra leader Pam Redman and Alice Hurley played Bach’s double violin concerto. “We really enjoyed it!” she said “It was such a treat.” Kuldeep Kaur, who has an eyebrow and beauty business in the shopping centre agreed, “It is lovely – so much better than the piped music!”
Global Make Music Day is a celebration of music around the world that takes place on the longest day every year. Launched in 1982 in France as the Fête de la Musique, it is now held in more than 1,000 cities in 120 countries. Scottish virtuoso violinist Nicola Benedetti said “I am proud to be an ambassador for Make Music Day UK, it offers the chance for everyone to find their creativity be it as a performer or listener and to share in the joy of making and appreciating great music.”
Although there were only two events in Cumbria it is hoped that more local musicians will join in next year. “It was great fun, not only playing music that we love but also watching the surprise and enjoyment on people’s faces! Especially when they realised that the music was live, and no-one was passing round a hat! It was truly joyful.” said Georgina Perkins of the Westmorland Orchestra.
Alison Bond who organised the event was delighted “Not only did we get great feedback, we also chatted to a lot of people – young and old – about music in their lives. We hope that some of them will be joining the orchestra, we are always looking for new players!”
More information may be found about the Music Day https://makemusicday.co.uk/ and about Westmorland Orchestra https://westmorlandorchestra.org.uk/
