MUSICIANS and singers facing the broken record of cancelled shows during the coronavirus pandemic are being helped to put the music back into North Wales communities.

The Big Give Christmas Challenge has been launched by North Wales-wide charities Ensemble Cymru and Mid Wales Opera to raise donations to fund performances by musicians, composers and music practitioners across the region.

The fundraiser, which ends at midnight on Tuesday, December 8, is running alongside the charities’ Music at your Place programme which aims to train artists in localised digital broadcasts, podcasts and vlogs, as well as developing partnerships between artists and non-art organisations.

Ensemble Cymru’s Artistic Director, Peryn Clement-Evans said: “The impact of COVID-19 pandemic has been devastating for Wales’ musicians many of whom have been without work for over nine months due to restrictions on live performances. Both Ensemble Cymru and Mid Wales Opera realised that it was time to step up and support performers, composers and music practitioners and through supporting them, make a difference for people in their local community.

“Since we launched the programme, we have been flooded with inspirational ideas from musicians across Wales to support people of all ages and their families in villages, residential homes, primary schools and hospices through music.

“The more we raise the more performers we can support, and the more music projects will take place across Wales. We making this appeal to the public, if they are able, to please help us help singers, musicians and composers by donating to the Big Give.”

Lydia Bassett, Executive Director of Mid Wales Opera added:

“With so many performances cancelled, it feels incredibly positive to be talking to performers about work which is both achievable in the current conditions and making a positive contribution to communities by bringing people together through music. We’re excited to see what amazing ideas our performers will come up with and we can’t wait to get started in the New Year.”

Donate to the Big Give Christmas Challenge at the Ensemble Cymru website.