Lockdown Charity Gala: classical performers at home
Step inside the London homes and other residences of favourite performers, as they sing and play in support of other musicians
Concert pianist Stephen Hough performs from his London home on 10 May. Photo: Sim Canetty-Clarke
Have you ever wanted to peek into a leading musician’s home, and see where all the hard work is done before they step into the limelight?
There’s a chance to see and hear some of the world’s finest players and singers amid their own domestic bliss when Culture Whisper favourite Stephen Hough joins other distinguished names, including fellow pianists Boris Giltberg and Víkingur Ólafsson and singers Ian Bostridge and Lise Davidson online.
In a lockdown online gala, which will stream for a week from 7PM on Sunday 10 May, all the performers – nine pianists, a percussionist, three violinists, two flautists, a string quartet, three singers, a cellist, a vocal ensemble and a guitarist – are former winners of Gramophone magazine’s classical music awards.
Each artist will introduce and perform a short programme from home and viewers will be encouraged to donate to the charity Help Musicians. With live performances cancelled worldwide, and recording dates shelved, singers and players have been put out of work overnight, and for months to come.
Soprano Lise Davidsen, who gave a sensational performance in Fidelio at the Royal Opera House, will sing from home
James Jolly, editor-in-chief of Gramophone, explains: 'Music is one of the most spiritually nourishing things humans can share, and when the musical world falls silent, we feel its loss. To ensure that music will play again when this crisis eases, we are encouraging music lovers to dig deep and help the musicians who enrich our lives day after day.'
Over the past six weeks Help Musicians has responded to the coronavirus crisis by paying out £8.35m to nearly 16,700 professional musicians needing financial help. 'This is just the beginning,' says chief executive James Ainscough. 'There are a large number of musicians who will not be protected by government safety nets and will need our financial assistance over many months.'
This is sure to be a very virtuosic and also heartwarming occasion. Don't miss it.
The Lockdown Charity Gala is on Gramophone’s Facebook page and YouTube channel for seven days from 7pm on Sunday 10 May. Click here for more details and to tune in
There’s a chance to see and hear some of the world’s finest players and singers amid their own domestic bliss when Culture Whisper favourite Stephen Hough joins other distinguished names, including fellow pianists Boris Giltberg and Víkingur Ólafsson and singers Ian Bostridge and Lise Davidson online.
In a lockdown online gala, which will stream for a week from 7PM on Sunday 10 May, all the performers – nine pianists, a percussionist, three violinists, two flautists, a string quartet, three singers, a cellist, a vocal ensemble and a guitarist – are former winners of Gramophone magazine’s classical music awards.
Each artist will introduce and perform a short programme from home and viewers will be encouraged to donate to the charity Help Musicians. With live performances cancelled worldwide, and recording dates shelved, singers and players have been put out of work overnight, and for months to come.
Soprano Lise Davidsen, who gave a sensational performance in Fidelio at the Royal Opera House, will sing from home
James Jolly, editor-in-chief of Gramophone, explains: 'Music is one of the most spiritually nourishing things humans can share, and when the musical world falls silent, we feel its loss. To ensure that music will play again when this crisis eases, we are encouraging music lovers to dig deep and help the musicians who enrich our lives day after day.'
Over the past six weeks Help Musicians has responded to the coronavirus crisis by paying out £8.35m to nearly 16,700 professional musicians needing financial help. 'This is just the beginning,' says chief executive James Ainscough. 'There are a large number of musicians who will not be protected by government safety nets and will need our financial assistance over many months.'
This is sure to be a very virtuosic and also heartwarming occasion. Don't miss it.
The Lockdown Charity Gala is on Gramophone’s Facebook page and YouTube channel for seven days from 7pm on Sunday 10 May. Click here for more details and to tune in
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| What | Lockdown Charity Gala: classical performers at home |
| Where | Online | MAP |
| When |
On 10 May 20, streamed at 7PM, then available for seven days |
| Price | £Donations |
| Website | Click here for more information |