It is time to share the love

Whilst the pandemic continues to wreak havoc with all our lives, the contribution music makes to the health and well-being of society stays strong.

Pick up any newspaper, digital newsfeed or social media post and you’ll be sure to find a vast array of stories and links to music and musicians. A year ago, some of these stories would have been unbelievable. Who would have predicted the popular return of the Sea Shanty, or rock band The Flaming Lips staging concerts with the audience safely watching the event from the inside of Zorb balls? But fact is invariably stranger than fiction – not least in these most unusual times.

The press has also been celebrating Sir Tom Jones receiving both doses of the coronavirus vaccine and a report that retailers have seen a surge in the demand for pianos!

Certainly, lockdown provides a wonderful opportunity to take some online music lessons and enables us to put in that all-important practice time. You won’t necessarily become a musical maestro but the benefits of playing instruments continue to be well-documented and commended.

From improved concentration, relaxation, posture and dexterity, to the benefits of singing for breath control and lung health - the positive effects are potentially significant. Peterborough Music Hub can help signpost would-be music students to experienced tutors across the region. For details, email: musichub@ peterborough.gov.uk

Sadly, the news has also seen the recent announcement of the cancellation of the Gastonbury Festival for the second year running and, with ongoing uncertainties around how to plan for large scale events in the current climate, we will inevitably see more events postponed or re-imagined over the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, online events continue to flourish and Stamford Arts Centre, is promoting a great lineup of music for its online spring season.

This month sees the London Serenata - Classical Music Concert still available online, via Facebook and YouTube, until 9 February. Recorded in Stamford Arts Centre’s fabulous ballroom the concert features music from Charles Gounod and Antonin Dvořák.

There’s also Jazz In The Studio: with Wendy Kirkland & Pat Sprakes (pictured), premiering on 12 February at 8pm and available online for one week.

Families can also enjoy a half-term musical treat with When We Started Singing. This online show from M6 Theatre presents an uplifting short film for children aged 5+ and families, featuring BSL, storytelling and song. The online link is available from Tuesday 16 February at 11am. Tickets: £3.00 including an activity pack - emailed to you on the day of the event.

To book and for further details visit: www.stamfordartscentre.com

Of course, February will see music shared to its greatest effect – celebrating love, romance and, hopefully, someone special in your life. Share some music this Valentine’s Day or, better still, think about supporting some of our talented musicians unable to work due to the ongoing Covid-19 restrictions. Several charities are able to provide support to the sector during this challenging time. Email: www.helpmusicians.org.uk for more information.

Sing, dance, play and love music this month.