The Blue Light Symphony Orchestra, a unique ensemble consisting of serving police, firefighters, paramedics, NHS staff, civilian support staff and ex-military who play instruments, will be performing a special concert on Friday, 11th October 2024 at Smith Square Hall in London. The event, which is not-to-be-missed, will begin at 7:30pm and is expected to be attended by a host of senior leaders including Chief Constables, Chief Fire Officers, and Ambulance Trust Chief Executives from England and Wales.
The orchestra, led by founder Seb Valentine, a serving Surrey Police officer and graduate of the Royal College of Music, aims to showcase the hidden musical talents that exist within the UK’s emergency services. The concert will feature a variety of classical music pieces, including Beethoven’s overture ‘Egmont’, Mozart’s Piano concerto No.20 in D minor, and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No.5. According to Valentine, these pieces were carefully selected to provide a unique and memorable experience for the audience.
In addition to the musical performances, the concert will also serve as a fundraiser for The Blue Light Symphony Orchestra’s charitable work. This includes outreach activities and a music therapy program tailored to the needs of emergency workers, building on a successful pilot in Surrey and Sussex in 2021. “Music has been scientifically proven to provide mental health benefits – both listening and playing – and we hope that the concert will provide audiences with nourishment for the soul and present the emergency services in an even more positive light,” says Valentine.
Tickets for the concert are priced at £21.60, with concessions available for blue light workers. They can be purchased online through the Sinfonia Smith Square website. The proceeds from the concert will go towards supporting the BLSO’s charitable work.
Founded in 2016, The Blue Light Symphony Orchestra is a registered charity in England and Wales (No. 1184720). The orchestra, which runs day and weekend workshops with no ongoing commitment, aims to provide positive mental health benefits to emergency service personnel and to showcase their hidden musical talents. “We are a user-led charity, with four out of six trustees working in the emergency services. One of our trustees is a firefighter with the London Fire Brigade and a professional violinist, having toured with Pete Tong,” says Valentine.
For those interested in attending the concert, a VIP reception will be held at 6pm before the performance begins at 7:30pm. This is a chance to meet and mingle with the musicians and other attendees. Tickets for the concert can be purchased online through the Sinfonia Smith Square website. Don’t miss this opportunity to support Britain’s emergency services and enjoy a unique concert in stunning surroundings.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.