Ensemble Cymru – Bangor University’s and Venue Cymru’s resident ensemble – needs your help to complete The Big Music Challenge, which aims to raise money to help Ensemble Cymru share its passion for chamber music with communities across North Wales in exciting and innovative ways.
Taking place between 6th and 19th December 2012, The Big Music Challenge aims to raise £6,000 in donations from the public – and if we’re successful, this could be doubled by match funding from generous funders bringing us closer to the £13,000 we need to raise in order to bring chamber music to a wider audience.
In 2013 Ensemble Cymru will organise a number of performances, road shows, workshops and other innovative and exciting events which will benefit local communities in North Wales – but we need to raise £13,000 to pay for these activities.
The Big Music Challenge kicks off with a launch event at Cafe Teras in Bangor University on Wednesday 5th December at 6pm. After that, we’ll be posting regular updates on our progress to our blog, our Twitter account and our Facebook page, letting supporters know how much is being raised and how it can help.
Why is Ensemble Cymru doing this?
We’re passionate about music, and are dismayed that there are so many barriers preventing people from getting involved in chamber music and becoming as passionate about it as we are. These barriers range from lack of local performance groups to lack of venues, with a variety of other barriers in between. We want to address these issues by ensuring there’s a platform for young musicians and composers at Venue Cymru, by providing performances in venues like hospitals and hospices, and by hosting special events encouraging people with no previous experience to get involved in composing chamber music. These are just some of the plans we have for 2013; there are many more, which you can find out about at our Big Give site.
How can I help?
You can make a donation online, by visiting our Big Give page and using the secure payments system there.
Alternatively, you can complete and return a pledge form, notifying us of your intent to make a donation.
Once you’ve donated or pledged, we’ll let you know how we got on by sending you an email at the end of the campaign. Our blog and social media accounts will be kept up to date with video clips and donation progress counters throughout the duration of the campaign. And all donors will be invited by email to attend a special launch event at Venue Cymru in 2013.
Who will benefit from the money raised?
Some 3,000 people will benefit from the money raised during the Big Give campaign. Beneficiaries will include primary and secondary school children, including children with special educational needs; elderly people; and people with mental health issues. The wider community will benefit, too, as well as Welsh composers and musicians who will benefit from opportunities to engage with their audiences.
How can I find out more?
The best way to get detailed information about the Big Music Challenge, including the events planned, the anticipated cost of each event, and the people that will benefit from your donations, is to visit our Big Give page.
To find out more about Ensemble Cymru’s history, please see the ‘about‘ page on our website.
