From a Distance Virtual Concert Series

Description

The Cultural Companions Programme led by Age Friendly Clare, has created a series of Virtual Concerts being broadcast live every Sunday afternoon over 5 weeks in the run up to Christmas. The concerts covered 5 different genres of music to appeal to everyone. The concerts are being funded through Creative Ireland and are being watched through the Ennis Cathedral webcam that older people regularly tune into for mass. The Clare Cultural Companions Programme is an Age & Opportunity arts initiative designed to link older people interested in arts and culture through a network so they can attend events together as a group. In 2020 there haven’t been many events for them to attend so the Creative Ireland Funding was put towards a series of ‘virtual’ concerts that would also be of benefit to local musicians performing in them. The concerts were opened up to the wider public and were free for anyone to watch. The feedback from these concerts has been excellent. They have been a welcome boost to older people both at home and residing in nursing homes. There were 39,700 views on Facebook. People tuned in from all corners of the world, from Dubai, India, the United States, Spain and France to name but a few. The words they have used to describe the performances were of Elegance and Class Clare has its own X Factor right here! Music is the soul of our hearts All these concerts have been brilliant to so beautiful, Exquisite, Thank you! This is just a flavor of some of the 583 comments we received online.

Aim of Initiative

It was mainly aimed at older people which is why the decision was taken to broadcast them live in Ennis Cathedral through their established webcam. What resulted was an unprecedented audience worldwide of all ages.

Who is it aimed at

It was mainly aimed at older people which is why the decision was taken to broadcast them live in Ennis Cathedral through their established webcam. What resulted was an unprecedented audience worldwide of all ages.

Steps critical to success

1. Permission from the Bishop of Killaloe to use the Cathedral and webcam.
2. Goodwill of musicians to perform at a fraction of the cost of their usual rates.
3. Technology working on the day as the shows were live. There were a few sound issues with the 1st concert that were ironed out.

Challenges in Planning / Delivery

1. Sourcing the musicians, some said they weren’t interested.
2. Delivering the 5 different genres of music so there would be something for everyone.
3. There was a bit of admin in getting the musicians set up on the Council’s financial system and getting them paid before the Creative Ireland fund deadline.

Outcomes / Benefits

1. The audience we reached was far greater than we could have anticipated.
2. Judging by the comments it brought great enjoyment to people.
3. Musicians received a small payment for their services which they welcomed.