The RNIB Concert Series offers musicians with a sight difficulty an opportunity to perform live in front of an audience and an industry professional.
Arranging a concert
The Music Advisory Service will arrange:
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A recital/performance opportunity in an appropriate venue.
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Administrative support necessary for putting on a concert.
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A DVD recording of the performance if requested.
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Discussion with an industry professional.
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Frank feedback on issues that have arisen during your performance that may be a result of your sight problem.
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Travel expenses for the artist who is blind or partially sighted.
As a performer, you are responsible for:
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Preparing and performing a recital (usually about 45 minutes).
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Covering any expenses incurred, other than your own travelling expenses.
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Promoting the concert to recruit an audience.
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Providing an up-to-date, good quality demo recording, CV or biography, suited to the performance, and brief notes outlining career aspirations. This will be sent to the industry professional and form the basis of the feedback session.
Performing in the Concert Series
For more information and to discuss possible performances, contact the Music Advisory Service: email mas@rnib.org.uk or telephone 0207 388 1266.
Listen to an extract from a concert
As part of the third series in June 2006, Victoria Oruwari gave a lunchtime song recital at the Salvation Army's Regent Hall, Oxford Street, London. At the time, Victoria was a post graduate student at Trinity College of Music. She is also the recipient of an Elizabeth Eagle Bott Memorial Award.
Victoria Oruwari - extract from Schubert's Gretchen am Spinnrade (MP3)
Background to the Concert Series
Since 2003, concerts have been arranged directly by MAS to give musicians who are blind or partially sighted a chance to have an opportunity to perform in an appropriate venue in front of an invited audience. A panel of experts is arranged to offer frank feedback, usually immediately after the concert.
Over the last four years, thirty three concerts have been set up, along with an RNIB Music Showcase which involved eleven blind and partially sighted musicians. Thirty-one musicians who were blind or partially sighted have performed in these events. Some have been held in RNIB Judd Street at lunchtime or early evening primarily for RNIB staff to attend. Others have been in concert venues, pubs, churches and at private functions to suit the type of music performed. Concerts have been held throughout England.
The experience was close to a fully professional engagement, with a letter of agreement, preparation of an appropriate programme, shared responsibility for publicity, for example. A recording was made for the performer of each concert.
Common elements of concern in feedback from concerts have been drawn together for articles. Professional Development Days have been run to address some specific issues, such as movement and gesture for singers, preparation of CV and marketing materials. Many performers in the Concert Series have gone on to give fully professional concerts.
Whilst there are still opportunities to arrange a concert in this format, the current emphasis at MAS is to assist performers in getting paid gigs and concert opportunities directly with sponsoring organisations, as more and more outside bodies approach RNIB for artists.