Emperor Nero (it’s claimed) may have continued to fiddle while Rome burned – but Brexit is making today’s music stop altogether – when it comes to touring.
Bath MP Wera Hobhouse will host her second virtual public meeting of the year on the impact our leaving Europe is having on musicians on Thursday evening 11th March from 6 – 7:30 pm.
Wera said:
“Bath is famous for music. Our festivals, choirs, musicians and the music department at Bath Spa University are mainstays of our city’s cultural and educational life. For so many years, music and musicians have acted as a powerful creative bridge connecting us with Europe. Covid has already hit musicians very hard.
I have invited local figures in the music world to tell us about the devastating effects of Brexit on the sector as a whole, and how it is impacting their careers and aspirations.”
Guest speakers:
- Nod Knowles has held many leading roles in international music including President of Europe Jazz Network, Head of Music at Scottish Arts Council, and CEO and Programme Director of Bath Festivals. He is currently developing the new European Folk Network which has over 90 members from 25 nations across Europe.
- Kira Thomas is a recorder player, oboist and choral singer. She recently completed a Masters in Music Performance from Bath Spa University and is keen to develop a career in the music industry through performing and teaching.
- Charles Daniels is a singer (tenor) with a long international career as a concert artist and made many recordings (100+). He is best known in Baroque and early music, e.g. Bach and Handel. He has taught at the University of Toronto.
- Simone Homes is General Manager of Bath Philharmonia, the city’s professional orchestra. Her wide-ranging 25-year career in arts and heritage organisations has focused on inclusivity and participation, including roles at the Holburne Museum and Arts Council England. She is committed to making creativity and music part of life for many people.
Wera said:
“Whether we make it or listen to it, music brings us great joy. It brings people together and knows no borders or boundaries. By seriously limiting the ability of UK musicians to tour in Europe, and for European musicians to tour the UK, Brexit is making the music stop.
“Please join me for this important public conversation on the future of music, a topic that touches us all. We will hear from each of our guests and you can submit your questions to the panel. Sign up for your free Zoom link at my website at https://www.werahobhouse.co.uk/brexit-when-music-had-to-stop. I look forward to seeing you on Thursday evening 11th March.”
