Southampton Wind Band had the honour of being the first Southampton Music Hub ensemble to perform in person in almost 500 days!

Zoe Hunting, Ensembles Manager, says:
”What a performance it was, with music from The Incredibles through to a tribute to Ennio Morriconi who died last year. The band sounded amazing, portraying the mood and characteristics of each piece at a level well beyond their years. Of course, in true outdoor concert tradition, it did rain, but even this wasn't going to put the band off from playing to the highest level.”

On Wednesday 14 July. Groove Merchant and Groove Foundation performed at The Point in Eastleigh to an audience of family and friends.

Aidan Hampson Director of the bands, says:
”I have been with the bands for over ten years now and this year has been by far the most challenging. It has been amazing to see the tenacity and resilience displayed by the members of both bands.”

The same night Southampton Youth Concert Sinfonia (SYCS) was also performing for the first time in 18 months.

Zoe Hunting explains:
”SYCS’ Prom on the Pitch saw the orchestra play outside at Richard Taunton Sixth Form College, supported by friends and family who were encouraged to bring a picnic and enjoy the show. The orchestra presented an uplifting, high energy programme opening with a Tribute to the King(Elvis Presley) and closing with a medley of How to Train your Dragon. The concert had a real sense of occasion and celebration for everyone involved.”

Anna Robinson, Director of SYCS, adds:

“Prom on the Pitch was such a special occasion for everyone involved. It has been such a difficult year for everybody and it was a huge privilege to end our season with such a high energy concert which truly celebrates SYCS and the amazing young musicians. The orchestra put on such a fantastic concert and I am extremely proud of each and every person who took part and really appreciate the support from friends and family, both on concert day and throughout this year.”

The musicians themselves were all very glad to be performing to an audience again, as Beth Wilkinson, Double Bass, tells us:

“Performing as an ensemble was something that we had all missed, so getting to do it for the first time in two years was a very special experience. Despite the frequent interruptions from passing traffic, it was a lot of fun and something that both the performers and the audience will not forget!”
"Being back has made me realise how much I missed the sound of happiness. This has been the highlight of my 2021. It's so nice to finally hear how my part fits into the pieces. My time in lockdown has helped me to realise how much I value being part of an ensemble. To be able to play as a unit and create music is a true feeling words can't describe"

Southampton Youth Orchestra perform at Romsey Abbey.

Southampton Music Hub’s final performance for this school year was given by Southampton Youth Orchestra (SYO) on 17 July at Romsey Abbey as the final performance in the 2021 Romsey Music Festival.

Kath Page, Music Hub Manager, shares:
”The pieces performed enabled the different sections to show their individual mastery and musicianship, giving performances professional musicians would have been proud of. The performance finished with a stirring performance of the Vaughan-Williams Pastoral symphony, with the youth orchestra capturing the poignancy behind the piece written in the wake of WW1 beautifully. “

Zoe Hunting, Ensembles Manager says:
"It has been amazing to hear some of our hub ensembles performing again after so long. Even more fantastic has been the incredibly high standard all the young musicians have performed to, especially given most of their rehearsals have been online during this academic year and with only a handful of full ensemble rehearsals just before the concerts. The dedication and commitment shown by these young musicians and all the staff is something Southampton should be very proud of"

A Return to Live Performance