Milton Keynes City Discovery Centre (MKCDC) have joined forces with acclaimed musician Cathal Smyth, formerly of Madness, in an ambitious new music venture.
MKCDC, based in the historic surrounds of Bradwell Abbey, will harness Smyth’s song ‘You Are Not Alone’ to unite families and friends in the UK and overseas who have been isolated and kept apart by Covid-19.
Funded in part by Milton Keynes Council, The National Lottery Community Fund, Bradwell Parish Council and MKCDC, they’ll be working with a diverse range of organisations and schools, reaching out to BAME, LGBQT+, dementia and music therapy groups, bringing together voices from across the community in a massed choir. This will culminate in a live-streamed performance this December the 5th, alongside the premiere of a ‘making-of’ documentary.
The collective has already amassed a host of creatives and arts organisations, including Joe Dudell and Craig McCleish. For those interested in being a part of this musical tour-de-force, you can get in touch with MKCDC via director@mkcdc.org.uk.
Cathal Smyth says, “I’m deeply honoured to be part of this project. We humans are essentially social animals, with a need for proximity. Covid-19 has brought periods of isolations that place a pressure upon our collective psychology. Coming together with music can bring inclusion and a sense of wellbeing. Singing expresses the inner spirit. Now, more than ever, it is so important to reach out.”
Dr. Noël James, Director and CEO of MKCDC describes the undertaking thus:
“The project is aimed at all corners of the Milton Keynes community and beyond; everyone is welcome to join. Bringing people together is the heart and soul of this collaboration, and I hope we can showcase our new town’s inspiring community spirit.”
