Sir Antonio Pappano and Jakub Józef Orliński will perform as part of Gramophone’s Classical Music Award online benefit gala. The gala, to be streamed on 10 May, will support the musicians whose livelihoods have been profoundly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Each artist will introduce and perform a short programme from their home. Viewers will be encouraged to donate to the Help Musicians charity.
James Jolly, Editor in Chief of Gramophone, explains: “One of the greatest hardships of having to socially distance or self-isolate is not being able to go to concerts or the opera. Music is one of the most spiritually nourishing things humans can share, and when the musical world falls silent, we feel its loss. To ensure that the music will play again when this crisis eases, we are encouraging music-lovers to dig deep and help the musicians who enrich our lives day after day. We, at Gramophone, are enormously grateful to the wonderful generosity of these Award-winning artists who have given their time and talent to support our charity gala.”
James Ainscough, Chief Executive, Help Musicians, says: “Over the past six weeks Help Musicians has responded to the coronavirus crisis by making payments totalling £8.35m to nearly 16,700 professional musicians needing immediate financial help. This is just the beginning. There are a large number of musicians who will not be protected by government safety nets and will need our financial assistance over many months. There is also growing demand for the support we offer on health & mental wellbeing, building business skills and creative development. Music-lovers, musicians and the music industry have already responded with generosity, but we still need to raise millions more in order to meet all needs fully. That is why we are so grateful to Gramophone and all the artists involved for supporting our vital work. Thank you – we cannot do it without you.”
Gramophone writes: “Eight pianists, a percussionist, three violinists, two flautists, a string quartet, three singers, a vocal ensemble and a guitarist guarantee that the programme will be varied and, as the artists have all chosen their own pieces, from the heart. In between the performances, some guest musicians – also former Award winners – will talk about music and encourage viewers to donate to this tremendously deserving cause.”
Don’t miss the Gramophone Classical Music Awards Winners Lockdown Online Gala:
Sunday, 10 May from 7pm BST/9pm CET/2pm EST/11am PCT on Gramophone’s Facebook page and YouTube channel, Apple News and the Gramophone website.
