NW Live Arts have announced a new concert, Finding the Poetic on Thursday 6th June at Cecil Sharp House. This marks the culmination of a project bringing together professional musicians and members of the local community to explore the value of creative connections between cultures and communities in 7 weekly creative workshops and finally a concert, all at Cecil Sharp House in North West London.

The series of workshops and beautiful evening event are centred around exploring the power of humanity to win against the odds, overcome obstacles and find beauty in unexpected places.

Working with Jacqueline Shave (violin), Joely Koos (voice and cello), Catrin Finch (harp), James Larter (percussion) and Kuljit Bhamra (tabla) to curate a thought-provoking, uplifting evening of boundary-crossing music from different cultures, times and places. This event will weave together improvisation, folk music, classical music and music from each musician’s heritage to share a story of hope, beauty and humanity in uncertain times.

Founded in 2018 by Caroline Heslop in Camden, NW Live Arts was established with the objective of bringing world-class music to communities that have historically been marginalised or underserved. The organisation’s concerts are meticulously curated around specific themes, integrating a diverse array of musical influences that include renowned classical pieces, innovative new compositions, traditional folk music, and sounds from across the globe. This eclectic mix enriches the program and broadens the audience’s musical horizons.

In addition to concerts, NW Live Arts conducts a series of music and storytelling workshops. These workshops are designed to engage local residents with the themes of the concerts, providing opportunities for them to interact directly with some of the performing musicians. Participants can explore creative expression, learn from accomplished professionals, and for those who are interested, perform alongside them during the concerts.

This initiative not only brings high-calibre performances to underserved areas but also offers profound personal growth opportunities for participants. By engaging in the arts, individuals experience significant improvements in their emotional and mental wellbeing. They build new skills, form meaningful connections within their community, and use music and storytelling as powerful tools for processing and expressing their lived experiences. The programme underscores that when given the opportunity, “ordinary people” can achieve extraordinary things, boosting their self-belief and creative potential.

Music from the concert programme will be used as one of the resources for the workshops co-ordinated by Rhia Parker, Participation Manager at NW Live Arts and facilitated by Hazel East. Hazel East is a socially engaged artist facilitator, whose work focuses on sharing stories and experiences through both visual and performing arts. Hazel is passionate about ensuring that the arts are for everybody, her work focuses on empowering people to tell their stories in ways that are accessible and meaningful to them.

Participants will work on their stories told in words and music together with Rhia, Hazel, and ‘guest’ musicians every week. This comes on the back of a successful series of workshops entitled Creative Connections at St John’s Waterloo, where all participants said that they enjoyed the sessions, and found that they learned new skills, improved confidence and wellbeing, and formed connections.

A former participant said: “The whole experience was a full package. My dream come true doing it with everyone.” Another described it as: “the best time of my life.” Emma Purslow who attended Creative Connections said that they loved how “everyone came together to create a really supportive community and Rhia and Aga [Aga serugo-Lugo] made space for everyone’s creativity.”

Caroline Heslop, founder and Artistic Director of NW Live Arts says: “Since 2018 NW Live Arts has been bringing world-class music to communities and venues across London with the belief that participation in the arts can have an extraordinary impact on our mental health, understanding and empathy. This new series of workshops with participants proving themselves as inspired storytellers and emerging composers is incredibly exciting. It comes off the back of the successful Creative Connections project

Tickets are available

£20 / £10 (concessions)
https://www.efdss.org/whats-on/26-gigs/13670-nw-live-arts-finding-the-poetic

About the concert

Finding the Poetic
Cecil Sharp House
Thursday 6 June, 7.30pm

Performers
Jacqueline Shave violin
Joely Koos voice and cello
Catrin Finch harp
James Larter percussion
Kuljit Bhamra tabla

NW Live Arts presents an evening exploring the power of humanity to win against the odds, overcome obstacles and find beauty in unexpected places.

Working with Jacqueline Shave (violin), Joely Koos (voice and cello), Catrin Finch (harp), James Larter (percussion) and Kuljit Bhamra (tabla) to curate a thought-provoking, uplifting evening of boundary-crossing music from different cultures, times and places. This event will weave together improvisation, folk music, classical music and music from each musician’s heritage to share a story of hope, beauty and humanity in uncertain times.

Suitable for audiences age 12+

Concessions include:
Under 30s
Students
Pension Credit
Universal Credit
Disability Benefit
Income Support or Job Seekers allowance

Tickets
£20 / £10 (concessions)
https://www.efdss.org/whats-on/26-gigs/13670-nw-live-arts-finding-the-poetic