A WINCHESTER charity that’s been providing musical therapy to people across Hampshire and beyond for 15 years is organising a birthday concert.
Key Changes Music Therapy is marking its milestone with a live performance by acclaimed singer, composer, broadcaster and charity patron Roderick Williams.
Mr Williams, who’s starred on the stage on some of the world’s leading opera houses, will be joined by Osborne School’s rock choir Rubik’s Cube, a harp duet, a chamber choir, the music therapists and some other surprise performances.
The event at St Paul’s Church on Saturday, September 30 celebrates 15 years since Hampshire Music Trust became its own charity, rebranding as Key Changes Music Therapy.
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The charity, based at Unit 12 in Winnall, has 10 music therapists visiting schools, clubs and clients to help them deal with mental illnesses, learning disabilities, social deprivation and development delay.
Project lead Beccy Read, 63, said: “Considering the state of the world and the fact that charities have gone into the wall, we have got a lot to be proud of. We are supporting some of the most vulnerable people in society.
“Our survival is partly because there is so much more awareness on how vital music is in our lives, especially since Covid music has taken on a new importance.
“We want to grow. All the money that we raise goes to providing emotional support for children and adults who might not have a way of communicating other than music. Music therapy is a fabulous release for them.
“We’re very excited to celebrate the milestone and have our wonderful patron perform. You wouldn’t be able to see Roderick perform for £15 anywhere else, everyone is in for a real treat.”
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Providing music therapy has always been a dream of Mrs Read’s since she qualified 40 years ago. Last year the lead therapist was awarded an honorary fellowship from the University of Winchester for her contributions.
Mrs Read, who lives near Winchester Train Station, also set up the Martin Read Foundation in memory of her husband to support young and aspiring composers.
Key Changes Music Therapy has launched a Crowdfunder for its 15th birthday, to raise funds to support its services.
The 15th birthday concert starts at 7.30pm at St Paul’s Church on Saturday, September 30. Tickets cost £15 per person and £7 for under 16s.
To book go to keychanges.org/.
And to donate go to crowdfunder.co.uk/p/celebration-concert---key-changes-is-15.
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