Elliott Bailey, Ken Fairbrother, Jesse Francis and Raye Harvey
Bridge Scheme 2018 - 2020
The second phase focused on creating opportunities in classical music for Black and Minority Ethnic musicians. We brought four student string players together for a year in July 2018 to explore chamber music through the format of the string quartet: violinists Ken Fairbrother and Raye Harvey, violist Jesse Francis and cellist Elliott Bailey. Over five residentials we curated a bespoke programme that included individual and group coaching and mentoring with a range of resident and invited musicians and experts from a variety of fields; public performances in the 2019 Classical Weekend Festival (with Kuljit Bhamra MBE and Sheffield Music Hub Senior Orchestra) and Sheffield Chamber Music Festival (alongside Ensemble 360); school visits with support and coaching from teachers; professional development with Music in the Round staff; and much more. Find out more in the short video below, or read the full report here.
“Bridge has served as a stepping-stone to something greater that will send the message that people who look like we do have a place in classical music”
Elliott Bailey
In 2019/20 we continued to support Raye Harvey as a Bridge Musician, providing opportunities for her to work in Sheffield schools as well as being involved in the Sheffield Year of Reading; and all four musicians remain involved and included in our programme of activity. Beyond 2020 we are now reimagining the scheme so that it continues to fulfil its overall purpose of nurturing and inspiring emerging professional musicians.
Bridge is funded by: The Eva & Peter Wilkinson Fund, Fidelio Charitable Trust, Garrick Charitable Trust, The Golsoncott Foundation, Mayfield Valley Arts Trust, Myrtle Charitable Trust, ‘Scilla Thornton Fund, Friends of Music in the Round, individual donors to the Bridge Fund and Arts Council England.