What a couple of weeks! The Sheffield Music City report was launched at Haggler’s Corner, detailing Sheffield music’s indelible historical, cultural and economic impact on our city, while setting out a blueprint to secure its future. Great to see so many in attendance from across the many musical worlds of Sheffield.
Last week, Sofar Sounds held one of their mystery concerts, a beautiful, ethereal experience and was described as one of their best shows yet. Ewan Sim , a Manchester-based singer-songwriter blending soul, indie, pop and rock, William Jack breaking boundaries between genres, best known for incorporating his jazz guitar background into an unconventional style of cello playing, and Sonority Choir from Sheffield all performed unplugged in the domed hall. It was full of people who’ve never been in our building before
We’ve also welcomed Sheffield Council’s Culture Club; brilliant to see Sheffield and South Yorkshire creatives came through our doors to find out about Harmony Works. Neil McSweeney, author of the Music City Report, spoke about his findings and its potential for the growth of music in Sheffield and The Bear Project brought their Common Threads weaving project for people to get involved and learn about Somali weaving techniques.
Over the summer we’ve had a range of different musical genres and activities in the building, all open to the public, starting with the Music City Walk in June featuring Jazz Hot Three Fast – swinging jazz, Gia Ford Singer – songwriter and Shah-e-Mardan – Qawwali Group. In August we opened for Family Open Days, had children and their adults exploring sounds, making instruments, playing with percussion and experiencing what it’s like to be in this space.
In September Sheffield Music Hub’s Senior Orchestra and Hallam Sinfonia had their first rehearsal of Shostakovich in the Heritage Hall as part of Heritage Open Days. We’ve had performances from Concerteenies, with the youngest children only 3 and 5 weeks old.
These events have also been supported by a growing number of volunteers and it’s so important to acknowledge the vital contribution they bring.
