Listen to Blackpool Symphony Orchestra's beautiful rendition of 'Somewhere Over The Rainbow' with funds donated to Blackpool Food Bank

Creating smiles and music is what Blackpool Symphony Orchestra does best but without their usual Thursday evening playing sessions, members aimed to spread a little hope and bring some colour to audiences with a virtual rendition of 'Somewhere over the Rainbow.'
By Nicola Jaques
Published 6th May 2020, 07:00 BST

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The specially arranged recording has been dedicated to key workers and has now raised more than £2,000 with funds being redirected to support the Blackpool community.

Donations have gone to Blackpool Food Bank.

Wendy Pallant, chair of Blackpool Symphony Orchestra said: “We are pleased that we have already managed to raise much needed funds for Blackpool Food Bank.

Blackpool Symphony Orchestra have put together a special arrangement of 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow'Blackpool Symphony Orchestra have put together a special arrangement of 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow'
Blackpool Symphony Orchestra have put together a special arrangement of 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow'
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"It’s given our players a real lift to take part in the project and help our community.

"We are all looking forward when we can play the arrangement as a live orchestra as part of our centenary celebrations next year.”

Composer in residence Ed Rugman who specially arranged the piece for the orchestra added: “It’s been very exciting to hear my arrangement come to life as all the players played their parts with such sensitivity and care.

"I’m very pleased with the final video and I hope that it can help to raise funds for Blackpool Food Bank.”

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All the individual players of the orchestra recorded their own parts of the piece and local music production company Ten Forward Productions donated their services and technical expertise to pull the videos together to create the final soundtrack and stunning video.

Helen Harrison, the orchestra’s music director and conductor said: “For many of our players, it was a new experience videoing themselves individually.

"I know that our players relished the challenge and really enjoyed feeling part of the orchestra community again.

"Ed’s arrangement is simply beautiful and the orchestra have really played their hearts out on their recordings. We do hope people will enjoy listening to the final track and if they can, and are able, donate to support the vital work of Blackpool Food Bank.”

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Working together with front-line agencies across Blackpool the food bank are providing emergency food parcels for people in need including meals for homeless people sheltering in B&B since the lock down, food parcels to families in need and distribution of food to up to 62 different charities.

The need for their services continues to increase week by week as the lockdown continues.

For more on Blackpool Symphony Orchestra visit https://www.facebook.com/blackpoolsymphony To make a donation to Blackpool Food Bank here

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/blackpoolsymphonyDonations of food can be taken to the Blackpool Food Bank Office Hub at Blackpool Tower.

Related topics:Blackpool