ONE of Wiltshire’s leading music centres is urging people to make a New Year resolution to get out more, start something new or enjoy listening to more live music.

Wiltshire Music Centre in Bradford on Avon, the “world class concert hall” in the midst of rural Wiltshire, is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year with a programme of concerts and special events.

A spokesman said: “If there’s one resolution we would like to encourage all residents to make this year, it’s to cross the threshold of the Wiltshire Music Centre.

“Come to a gig, take up an instrument, get the family involved, join a choir or ensemble, or volunteer at our events. We look forward to welcoming you.”

The centre in Bradford on Avon has what many musicians agree is one of the best acoustics auditoriums in the country.

Its Creative Learning Programme also offers lots of opportunities for young musicians and delivers ensembles and choirs, family events and the Zone Club – the award-winning project for learning disabled young adults.

Further afield, it also leads the Celebrating Age Wiltshire partnership project which offers participation and activity for older people across the county.

The 2023 season opens with two New Year’s Day weekend concerts by the West of England Youth Orchestra on January 1 and 2, who will kick off the year with a programme of classic songs and arias from the best musicals and opera.

The Bradford Roots Festival then returns on January 21 to celebrate the best local blues, folk, pop and rock bands, alongside family workshops and locally produced food and drink.  

The professional concert series opens in February with flamenco guitarist Juan Martín on February 3 and then folk star Eliza Carthy and The Restitution perform as part of her 30th anniversary tour on February 12.

Blazin’ Fiddles return for a lively and hair-raising hootenanny of violin pyrotechnics on March 3 and the superstar AKA Trio with kora player Seckou Keita and percussion virtuoso Adriano Adewale give their debut on March 24.

For classical enthusiasts, vocal collective Sansara present a ground-breaking choral electronic programme entitled Vox Machina on April 1 and The Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment lead a performance of Henry Purcell’s greatest orchestral and vocal music on May 12.

There is also a regular lunchtime series of recitals featuring rising stars on the classical scene. Young people learning, or thinking of learning, an instrument can enjoy free tickets for these events.

 They include cellist Maciej Kulakowski on February 8, Nigerian-Scottish trumpeter Aaron Azunda Akugbo on February 10, the Riot Ensemble on February 24, and flautist Sirius Chau on April 26. 

Jazz will have a special place in the anniversary year as the centre launches the BIG JAZZ weekend on March 4 and 5 with headliners saxophonist Tim Garland and keyboard legend Jason Rebello, who perform their new “Life to Life” show and then join Wiltshire Youth Jazz Orchestra for an afternoon concert of swing.

As part of Women’s History Month in “Women’s Words, Sisters’ Stories” on March 17, the centre will celebrate the great female jazz singers and composers Peggy Lee and Billie Holiday with Ineza, and then The Clare Teal Four on April 15 and the LP Swing Band on June3 round off a jazz season that has something for everyone.

The WMC spokesman said: “For anyone unable to make it to the centre then we are delighted to offer a Livestream programme which is available to view online and can be enjoyed live or on catch up for three days following the event. “

For further information, visit www.wiltshiremusic.org.uk, drop in to pick up the season brochure, or call the box office on 01225 860100.