On 25th January 2025, the Jersey Chamber Orchestra presents a programme featuring the legendary violin soloist Boris Brovtsyn, under Eamonn Dougan's baton, JCO’s Chief Conductor. Boris Brovtsyn takes the stage for Mendelssohn’s beloved Violin Concerto in E minor., bringing to life the lyrical beauty and technical demands of this masterpiece.
Vicki Genfan's evening of folk, jazz, pop and world music will be taking place on 9th November, part of Music in Action’s 2024 International Guitar Festival! All the way from the US, Vicki will be bringing powerful percussive ‘slap-tap’ acoustic technique using 29 alternate tunings, with soulful vocals that captivate audiences worldwide.
Renowned international violinist and acclaimed composer Harriet Mackenzie is collaborating with legendary guitarist Carlos Bonell in a unique guitar-violin concert, part of Music in Action’s 2024 International Guitar Festival. Here, so talks to us about her work as a performer, composer, arranger and her passionfor bringing music to those with little or no access to live music.
On Saturday 12th October, award-winning Italian horn player Silvia Bettoli joins us fresh from her studies – with full scholarship – on the prestigious Professional Diploma at the Royal Academy of Music. She will perform Mozart’s celebrated 4th Horn Concerto at a special concert honouring 90 years of the 3rd Jersey Scout Group. Find out about her journey so far with #whymusicmatters
We had the chance to catch up with our recently appointed Events Assistant Tadwyn Davies. Tad read music at Durham University and alongside working for Music in Action on musical matters, Tad currently sings in King's College Choir in Cambridge. Music in Action asked Tad Why Music Matters?
At what age did you start making music and how did you start?
I first started my musical journey at the age of 6 with piano lessons. I can still vividly remember sitting in front of my teacher's piano and being asked if I knew the name of each note. After correctly stating A, B and C, I noticed a pattern and decided to keep going until the letter J. Following this, I have been a chorister and learned the flute alongside piano. These days singing has become my main focus although I also spend a lot of time with Music Technology too!
Why does Music matter to you?
Without music, life would be dull and without emotion. Imagine watching a film bereft of its soundtrack. Music has the ability to express that which words cannot and is fundamental to our wellbeing.
What is your favourite place on earth?
Since first visiting, I adore France. This was further affirmed in my A level years by spending 10 days with my French Exchange. The culture, the language, the people and of course the food are excellent.
Gilly Challinor is a member of the Music in Action Board and a digital guru. Most recently she has started working for Jersey Overseas Aid and most people would describe her as having a heart of gold. Gilly plays the violin and the piano and recently returned to Jersey.
At what age did you start making music?
I think I was probably around 5 or 6 when I started piano lessons with my Grandmother. And shortly after I started the violin.
What do you love most about playing the violin?
I love playing in orchestras - there's something incredibly special about being a small part of a big, complicated, wonderful sound. I sometimes get to play with one of my sisters which makes me very happy.
Why does music matter to you?
Music was a huge part of my life growing up. It brought me such a sense of enjoyment and achievement, but it also brought me friendships and so many life skills that I wasn't aware of at the time. I saw how it could bring joy to people who were suffering when my sisters and I used to do mini-concerts for our neighbour who was suffering with Parkinsons. Now as an adult I realise the powerful benefits music has on our mental wellbeing, as well as the sense of belonging and community it brings, and that's why I'm drawn to Music In Action and its ambitious charitable aims.
Why did you join the MIA Board and what can we look forward to from you next in this role?
Because I get the opportunity to help a local charity to grow and spread the joy of music in Jersey.
Where are you from originally & what inspiration do you take from your current home?
I'm Jersey born and I'm inspired by the incredible young musicians and brilliant music teachers we have on the island. We are so lucky here.
What is your favourite place on earth?
I love the absolute wonder of places that don't remotely resemble, smell or feel like home, and I love discovering nature at its most beautiful. So I have many favourites: Kakadu in the Northern Territory of Australia, Marrakech in Morroco, Zanzibar, Rishikesh in India, Krabi in Thailand - to name a few. I'm looking forward to discovering more.
Who is your favourite composer?
Oh I hate this question - I'm terrible at knowing the names of composers. I'm going to go with Tchaikovsky because I love hearing and playing anything from Swan Lake - especially the Waltz.
What or who inspires you most?
I know this is probably a common answer, but to name anyone else would be untruthful - my wonderful Mother, Catherine.
If you hadn’t become a musician, what job would you have wanted to do?
I'm not! I work in overseas aid and previously providing digital services in the charity sector. I didn't go into music as a career because I felt that I couldn't compete with the incredible talent around. Looking back, that was a little short sighted of me - there are so many different career avenues for musicians - I think I would have enjoyed music technology and producing.
Which historical figure would you choose to have dinner with?
I'm going to say Emmeline Pankhurst. I'd love to hear what she thinks of the world today.
Gilly and her daughter playing together
