Stars including singing legend Sir Bryn Terfel; former harpist to the Prince of Wales, Hannah Stone, and singer and presenter Aled Jones have been brought together for a common cause by pianist Dawn Hardwick and harpist Deian Rowlands. The Welsh pair, both successful and well-respected musicians themselves, have drawn on all their contacts and powers of persuasion to create a musical advent calendar to spread cheer and raise money for the Musicians For Musicians Campaign.
Dawn explains: “Usually, musicians are extremely busy at this time of year, providing the soundtrack to people’s festivities, from performing concerts to playing in the pit in 2020 are more likely to be found delivering your gifts or assisting you with your COVID tests than playing in theatres, concerts halls or pubs. Deian and I had been chatting on and off for a while, trying to think how we could best pool our skills to raise some money to back the campaign.”
Deian, who is currently working as a Coronovirus tester explains: ‘We went through our contacts lists, got on our phones and the response we received from friends and colleagues. We have Sir Bryn Terfel and Hannah Stone, Aled Jones, children’s illustrator James Mayhew, poet Megan McKie-Smith and many more composers, arrangers and musicians. All contributors have given of their talents for free, but we hope to raise enough money to pay them all as well as making a significant donation to the fund.
We also have an art and a fantastic original Christmas song competition as well as bonus features for your enjoyment.”
Star-Studded Advent Calendar Raises Money For Musician For Musicians
Amelia Conway-Jones from Musician For Musicians adds: “This Christmas is going to be really tough for many musicians. The music industry is experiencing the most difficult time it has ever faced. Government restrictions and gaps in their financial support have forced many musicians to seek work elsewhere and 34% are considering leaving the industry forever. Theatres and concert halls have been closed for the majority of the year, leaving most without income, and 38% of musicians have fallen through the gaps in government support. The Musicians For Musicians campaign brings musicians and music lovers together to provide support to those most in need. As well as financial aid, the fund supports a free 24hr helpline Music Minds Matter to support the mental health of musicians.
A Music Box Adventure is the perfect fundraiser for us really. Dawn and Deian have brought together so many brilliant people to share the festive cheer, we were delighted to hear what they have achieved.
How To Purchase A Music Box Adventure Advent Calendar
The advent calendar is available to purchase from the website www.amusicboxadventure.com for just £18, so that everyone can enjoy the talents of some of the world’s finest musicians in their homes this Christmas. And there is no need to worry about buying after the 1st December, each window will remain open until Christmas Day. After all, it wouldn’t be Christmas without the music!