Internationally acclaimed Concert Cellist, Katie Tertell, and award-winning concert pianist, Annie Ball, have designed an outdoor concert series tour as an alternative to driving into towns and cities or being indoors to access world class, live music during the COVID19 pandemic. Both are highly experienced musicians and project & event coordinators. 

After a hugely successful pilot of sold-out outdoor performances in the village of Clara Vale on July 11th and 12th, Katie and Annie have assessed the safety, demand and viability of these concerts. As a result, they toured the concert series around rural North East in Autumn 2020 to critical acclaim and media attention. They are planning to add more dates and locations to a Spring/Summer 2021 tour to reach more communities. The feedback so far has been that theses concerts have been audience members' first and only live music experience since lockdown restrictions began in March 2020. 

With the most vulnerable in mind, these socially-distanced outdoor performances are accessible to those who are in need of arts and culture in a safe and accessible format.  The concert is a set of accordion and cello music covering Jazz, classical, folk, bluegrass, old time and crossover music which will appeal to a wide audience. All the pieces are their own arrangements and the set includes pieces by renowned Irish composer Ailbhe McDonaugh and award-winning North East composer, Helen Bell. They played the world premiere of Ailbhe's piece, "Skellig", on July 11th.

The tour partners with local, independent businesses and organisations that will benefit from the audience the tour brings, by media coverage and those looking to raise their artistic profile. Outdoor spaces include village greens, church grounds and other licensed properties with facilities in easy reach.

Annie and Katie are highly-trained professional artists and offer the highest quality of musical experience.  They are also experienced events and project coordinators and each event will be fully covered by product and public liability insurance and comprehensive risk assessment. Regular contact and consultation with the Council Safety Advisory Group, Theatre Space North East and The Events Industry Forum has ensured the tour has up-to-date COVID safety measures. 

The tour offers a range of concerts to meet the needs of a wide demographic; either a Family Special Concert, an Afternoon Delight (older children can be welcome) and/or a Candlelit Special in the evening. Since the tour is acoustic, the gigs have no noise impact on local residents. Venues are invited to supply refreshments to generate revenue but also can be organised by the Semibreve.

An inclement weather or COVID related cancelation will result in a digital live stream concert. This was piloted on 24th September and will be made available to view shortly. 

From the success of their July pilot, it became obvious that there is a tremendous need for cultural events in a setting that feels safe and responsible. This is a time of great need for live events and the power of music during challenging times.

​