Music library reinvented
An historic music library – the largest in the North of England – reopened in January after undergoing a major redevelopment.
First opened in 1950, the refurbished venue at Leeds Central Library features walk-in recording studios, pianos and podcasting facilities and will also offer a programme of free and paid events.
Senior librarian Jamie Hutchison told the BBC “At its heart, the new music library is about giving people from all communities in Leeds a space to feel welcome, where they can come together, be creative and express themselves. Our aim is to become that cultural cornerstone of the city.”
A £267,000 grant from Arts Council England and additional funding from the Leeds City Council funded the project.
Find out more about this story at the BBC website.
Orchestra’s training scheme enters its third year
A young trumpeter who says classical music did not appeal to him initially is now being trained and mentored by a leading orchestra.
Harry Bassett, from Poole, is one of three musicians to take part in the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra’s (BSO) latest Young Associates scheme.
The bursary – now in its third year – sees the musicians join the orchestra to work on community projects throughout the south west of England as part of the seven-month-long scheme.
Mr Bassett told the BBC that trying to promote inclusivity in music was “very important for me as a disabled musician”.
Find out more about the scheme at the BSO website.
Photo credit: Larisa Birta on Unsplash