One lucky Sunderland couple welcomed members of Royal Northern Sinfonia to their home for a cosy performance with their family and friends.
Four musicians from the orchestra, Iona Brown (violin), Jane Nossek (violin), Tegwen Jones (viola) and Daniel Hammersley (cello) performed to David and Elaine Hannington and an audience who gathered in their living room, dining room and hallway. The couple, who live in Grangetown, were treated to the intimate recital after winning a prize draw competition following a charitable donation they made to Royal Northern Sinfonia’s 60th Anniversary Appeal.
David Hannington said: “It was a wonderful, magical experience to hear such beautiful music close up in our own home. It was truly unforgettable and I can honestly say it will be a life-long memory.”
The couple have been attending Royal Northern Sinfonia concerts for the past 40 years.
“There is a real family feeling to their concerts and, even though we had never met any of the players who performed at our house, we felt as though we knew them,” he added.
“We feel very privileged to have been chosen for this fantastic experience and wish Royal Northern Sinfonia every success with their other 60th birthday ventures and fundraising.”
As part of the orchestra’s 60th birthday, Sage Gateshead – home to Royal Northern Sinfonia – is appealing for contributions to help support the social and community work carried out by the orchestra, enabling them to take the very best in classical music to as wide an audience as possible.
With a target of £60,000 to be met by the end of the 18/19 classical season (June 2019), the appeal is for donations to either mark the year the orchestra was founded with a monthly direct debit of £19.58 or a donation of £60 to help celebrate the 60th anniversary. As an incentive, anyone who donates is entered into a prize draw. The winner is given the opportunity for a quartet/quintet to play in their living room or local community centre and the chance to chat to the musicians afterwards – a chamber ensemble in their chamber!
Jo Bussey, Head of Fundraising at Sage Gateshead said: “Whilst we receive funding from Arts Council England, the local authority and others, we are increasingly dependent on contributions from members of the public to support our work.
“All contributions to the RNS 60th Appeal truly will make a meaningful difference and help RNS to reach new audiences. Donor support also enables us to continue to reach those who may not be able to travel to Sage Gateshead and to work with children and young people, inspiring the next generation of classical music fans. None of this would be possible without donor support.”
For more information on how to support Royal Northern Sinfonia visit www.sagegateshead.com