A new musical collaboration by participants from the Tayside Healthcare Arts Trust (THAT) ST/ART Project , composer Matilda Brown and musicians from the Royal Scottish national Orchestra (RSNO) took place yesterday, (Monday, 13 March) at the Marryat Hall in Dundee.
The theme was developed from quirky ideas and interests by members of the group. Their fascination with elephants and all things to do with the moon, including The Clangers from the 1970s children’s television programme, created musical compositions which they shared at the event with their family, friends and other interested guests.
The RSNO and THAT’s ST/ART Project work together to create new musical experiences for participants living with stroke and other long term health conditions. Composer Matilda Brown and a collection of RSNO musicians performed with a group of ten participants to deliver four new compositions that Matilda and the group developed over three months.
During the programme, participants worked with Matilda and a changing group of RSNO musicians to create musical compositions. As part of the programme they were invited as guests to a full orchestra performance in the Caird Hall.
With the support of Leisure and Culture Dundee, the group was able to meet regularly in the Ashton Hall in the Caird Hall. The final session marked the culmination of the programme and celebrated the creative journey everyone has been on. The project was supported by THAT volunteer Anne McLaren and ST/ART project co-ordinator, Chris Kelly.
Composer and programme lead, Matilda said, “It’s wonderful to be back working with The ST/ART Project and RSNO with such a committed group of participants. The group has grown and has a great mix of people, some I have worked with before and some are new to what we do. It is always interesting to draw out people’s musical experience and interest and to encourage them to play all sorts of instruments from traditional percussion and piano to music technology software and iPad instruments.
“We are all a bit quirky so we took that as our theme and built a strong bond through the programme which has allowed us to overcome any difficulties. We’ve had so much fun developing the musical vision that represents all of us, working together and individually to ensure we all contributed to the journey.”
THAT project co-ordinator Chris Kelly said, “This is another stage in the development of our partnership with Matilda and the RSNO. Matilda’s approach is light and fun but challenging and collaborative as well, which allows the group to give so much to the experience. Participants worked together on musical instruments and composed elements together and collaborated fully with the professional musicians.
“The participants feel empowered working alongside musicians from the RSNO. This gives individuals a boost to their self-esteem and wellbeing by sharing a music making experience with musicians they have seen perform live on the Caird Hall stage.”
The creative engagement project is for people in Tayside who have had a stroke or acquired brain injury or other long term condition. It is a ST/ART Project initiative supported by NHS Tayside.
The RSNO’s work with Tayside Healthcare Arts Trust in Season 2022/23 is supported by Leisure & Culture Dundee Major Music Award, Northwood Charitable Trust, RJ Larg Family Trust and Tay Charitable Trust.
The RSNO programme is one of a range of art programmes for people with long term conditions currently being delivered by Tayside Healthcare Arts Trust, which promotes creative engagement with the arts to enhance participant’s health and well being.