The idea
As the climax to Silverdale Renaissance’s series of six early music concerts and two singers’ workshops the acclaimed vocal group 'I Fagiolini', directed by Robert Hollingworth, will perform their programme ‘Monteverdi Divine’ in St John’s Church, Silverdale on 4 October 2025. We hope to attract a sell-out audience for this special occasion. ‘I closed my eyes and I thought I was in heaven!’ (Concert goer)
I Fagiolini will also lead a workshop in Arnside for up to 50 local singers, focussing on developing their vocal skills. ‘What a fantastic way to spend a morning! It was packed with informative teaching and wonderful music.’ (Workshop participant)
Crowd-funding will enable us to cover our costs while keeping ticket price down to an affordable level. It will also help fund our next event in 2026. We have provisionally booked for this the instrumental group ‘Ensemble In Echo’ who will play a programme of works by J.S.Bach, interspersed with readings by Horatio Clare.
What we'll deliver
- I Fagiolini will perform a concert of music by Monteverdi to an audience of up to 266
- I Fagiolini will lead a work-shop for up to 50 singers, focussing on developing singing technique
- 15 local people will gain experience through volunteering on the project
- Another ensemble, provisionally 'In Echo', will deliver a concert in spring 2026
Why it's a great idea
Listening to, and participating in making music is good for your mental and physical health: research now proves this - if we didn’t know it already! However, in a rural area like ours, opportunities to experience professional live music of this calibre are few and far between. This project will bring the music to the people rather than expecting them to go to the music.
‘The best live concert I have ever been to – and just down the road from my house!’ (Volunteer).
The singers’ workshop will have legacy benefits for local choirs: the last one attracted directors of local choirs as well as singers, so the learning was spread across the area.
‘It was fabulous to be able to experience such a workshop here in the rural North. More!' (Workshop participant)
Additionally, volunteers will gain experience and satisfaction from participating, and local businesses will gain custom. The project will thus boost our cultural, social and economic capital.
Steps to get it done
- Book performers
- Book concert venue
- Book workshop venue
- Alert volunteers
- Book accommodation
- Book car parks
- Set up ticketing website page and open it for bookings
- Open ticket sales at Silverdale Pharmacy
- Send out publicity to previous ticket-buyers, supporters, social media, local choirs and music groups etc
- Design, print and distribute posters and flyers
- Take out insurance
- Design and print programmes
- Revise risk assessment and circulate it as necessary
- Circulate info on music and arrangements to all workshop participants
- Ensure all volunteers are briefed before the event
- Arrange transport as necessary for band
- Arrange refreshments for band
- Oversee smooth running of (a) concert and (b) workshop
- Complete accounts for event
- Accounts scrutinised by independent volunteer
- Complete post-event evaluation
- Report back to funder(s)
- Repeat concert milestones for spring concert
