Hundreds more people are being given the chance to express their creativity and discover the power of music across Middlesbrough.
Musinc brings people of all ages and abilities together through community choirs, youth bands, inclusive orchestras and holiday activities. Based at Middlesbrough Town Hall, it is one of a number of cultural organisations that make a difference in the town.
As Middlesbrough finalises its bid to become UK City of Culture 2029, the organisation has reported another successful 12 months. It delivered 396 music sessions over the past year, with 142 young people and 122 adults taking part in weekly groups. It hosted 44 events with a record 1,306 people taking part, with audiences topping 4,600 across a range of performances.
The past year also saw the opening of a new recording and rehearsal studio for young musicians. The first band to record there was Cardiac, whose members first met through Musinc’s Bandjam sessions before winning a recording opportunity at the Young Producers Battle of the Bands competition.
Another milestone came with the debut performance by The Lost Orchestra, a new group for d/Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent young musicians, who performed alongside Middlesbrough Open Orchestra at Middlesbrough Town Hall.
The programme also brought together 200 performers for the My Great Folk opera, which celebrated the history of migration to Middlesbrough, and welcomed community and school choirs from across the region for the annual Shine Festival.
Mayor Chris Cooke said: “Music has the power to bring people together, build confidence and create opportunities for people of all ages. Programmes like Musinc show what Middlesbrough is all about and showcase the creativity and talent we have here. It’s this spirit which we want to harness as we bid to become UK City of Culture 2029.”
Musinc manager Samantha Knight said: “Musinc has really gone from strength to strength over the past few years. We have such a strong programme which provides all people the opportunity to get involved and explore their musical identity and have established clear pathways for young people to forge careers in the music industry.”
She added: “Young people can start playing music in groups such as Bandjam and Open Orchestra, then go on to perform at public events like Amplify, Classical Café, Orange Pip Market and the Christmas Lights Switch On. For those interested in putting on their own events, they can join our Young Producers group. We’re so proud of the community we’ve built and are excited to see what the next year brings.”
Musinc works with partners including Middlesbrough Council, Gem Arts, North East Opera, Apollo Arts, Generator and River Tees Multi Academy Trust, and is primarily funded by Youth Music and Arts Council England.
