HRH The Earl of Wessex opens brand-new performance space at Symphony Hall, a B:Music venue

/ News 17 Sept 2021

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HRH The Earl of Wessex KG GCVO unveiled a portrait of Jennifer Blackwell on 16 September 2021 to mark the official opening of the brand-new performance space at Symphony Hall, a B:Music venue.

HRH The Earl of Wessex unveils portrait of Jennifer Blackwell at Symphony Hall, a B:Music venue

Credit: Roy Smiljanic 2021

Jennifer Blackwell adored Symphony Hall.

The generous support of The Blackwell Trust has allowed B:Music to create a space dedicated to her memory where music can be accessible to all and where Jennifer's lifelong passion for music can live on.

In addition to unveiling a portrait in the Jennifer Blackwell Performance Space, HRH The Earl of Wessex was entertained by Rise Up: a B:Music initiative which offers talented female musicians from the region mentorship from world renowned jazz musicians, access to rehearsal spaces in the iconic Symphony Hall and a platform to showcase their musical and compositional talent through concerts and access to recording studios.

0 Stars

It was surreal to play for such a high profile figure and, of course, it was lovely to invite new people in to enjoy and appreciate the new spaces in the building.

Jasmine Belle

HRH The Earl of Wessex meeting members of B:Music's Rise Up

Credit: Roy Smiljanic 2021

0 Stars

It was a fantastic opportunity performing and meeting Prince Edward with the Rise Up Ensemble. It's always an honour to get to share the stage with like minded and talented musicians in the beautiful Jennifer Blackwell Performance Space, where we've recently been fortunate to play and practice a number of times.

Katie Grayland

The Rise Up ensemble were selected by a panel of experts including jazz artists Trish Clowes, Alica Gardener-Trejo and Yazz Ahmed and is supported by Ian Reaves and the PRS Foundation.

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