Organisers of the Manx Music Festival, which celebrates its 125th anniversary in 2017, have announced a visit by renowned flautist, composer and multi-instrumentalist Simeon Wood to the Isle of Man next month.
No stranger to appearances on TV and national radio, and acclaimed as ‘an instrumentalist of dazzling versatility and inspiration’, Simeon will deliver his popular Flute Emporium workshop in schools across the Island during his visit from 6th to 10th November. At the workshops he will demonstrate his ability to play all types of woodwind instruments, including a bicycle pump and even an NHS crutch!
On Tuesday 8th November Simeon appears in The Guild Goes North concert at Lezayre Community Hall, Clennagh Road, Sulby. Compered by Manx Radio’s Judith Ley, this mixed programme of entertainment, which begins at 7.30pm, also features singing from the choir Manx Voices which swept the board at the 2016 Manx Music Festival with wins in the Gaelic Choirs, Ladies Choirs, Trio and Concert classes. Tickets are ?8 in advance or ?10 on the door, with light refreshments included.
On Saturday 12th November Simeon will hold his Mr Wood's Wind Workshop, a free of charge afternoon of teaching and music making for flutes, whistles and wind instruments at St Andrew's United Reformed Church, Glencrutchery Road, Douglas. It will be followed that evening with Simeon in concert at St Andrew's from 7.30pm; tickets are ?8, with light refreshments included.
The visit is part of a commitment by the Manx Music Festival, better known as the Guild, to encourage and support local talent throughout the year, not just during the week in April when it celebrates all things music, drama and dance in the Isle of Man.
Guild Press Officer Jane Corkill said: ‘We are delighted to work with Simeon Wood to encourage and showcase local woodwind talent and to bring his skills and music to local schools. The aim is to inspire young musicians and other children who may not have realised how much fun playing an instrument can be.
‘It is fantastic that, with support from our sponsor the Dandara Group, the Guild can support music in the community all year round.’
Music teacher Katie Lawrence added: ‘It’s a great privilege to have Simeon Wood coming into our schools and we are really looking forward to meeting him and enjoying the Flute Emporium and Wind workshops.’
To reserve a workshop place email the Secretary on manxguild@gmail.com providing your name, instrument, age and grade (if taking them). All tickets for the concerts are available from the Secretary. Please send a cheque for ?8 per ticket plus 44p postage and packing, made payable to Manx Music Festival, and tickets will be sent out to you.
The 2017 Guild Syllabus is widely available now and includes an entry form. Entries, which close on 4th February 2017, can also be made online.
- Ends -
