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Viewpoint from Revd Canon Nick Garrard 25/02/2022
 Revd Canon Nick Garrard
Nick is Rector of the Rockland Benefice in the Bramerton Group (Bramerton, Rockland St Mary with Hellington, Surlingham, Claxton, Carleton St Peter, and Kirby Bedon with Whitlingham) and Bishop’s Officer for Christian Spirituality through the Creative Arts
One of the most exciting local news stories I’ve heard recently is about music. At the end of January, the BBC announced that its Concert Orchestra will be based in Great Yarmouth for the next three years. Hosting a world-class orchestra is a great accolade for the Borough. More than that, it will boost music-making locally for all ages, ranging from visits to primary schools to outdoor pop-up concerts
 There is nothing quite like hearing music played well to encourage someone to take up an instrument or persevere with music lessons. Indeed, there is nothing quite like hearing live music full stop. We discovered this as a society when COVID-19 and the restrictions that followed put an end to live music, singing and gatherings. For many in our church communities, the ban on singing in services was hard to bear. For many musicians and venues, it was far worse. Incomes dropped or disappeared overnight, and people faced hard decisions about remaining in careers they loved or find a different job. A silence fell over us for many months that will not be forgotten. I will never take the privilege of hearing live music for granted again
 Late last year, as restrictions eased, my wife and I travelled to London to hear our daughter and her student choir sing in Handel’s ‘Messiah’. It was extraordinary. The orchestra, choir and soloists were superb, performing in front of a large audience. Strangers talked to each other afterwards (in London!). Afterwards, the performers seemed as delighted as the audience had been. It was as if something precious was awakening, hesitantly, but also hopefully. I hope that the BBC Concert Orchestra’s coming will be part of this great reawakening locally. We’re already looking out for concert dates
Musicians are generally not paid well, despite their talents. There aren’t many Ed Sheerans in the music business. However, the joy of doing something they love, and the enrichment they bring their listeners’ lives can be another form of reward. As a Christian I believe that our talents are God-given, to be enjoyed and shared wherever possible. The Bible doesn’t tell us about heaven in detail, but it sounds that there will be abundant music there. Here on earth, let’s give thanks for music that inspires, comforts, and moves us, and lifts our spirits. Let us give thanks too for musicians, singers and composers everywhere
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