Alina is a brand new classical orchestra. It has a remit to provide high quality, accessible concerts to the local community and also a dedicated programme of outreach, primarily focussing on mental health and wellbeing. The Orchestra operates with a policy of ‘No boundaries’ as to its performance locations, audiences and providing access to classical music via projects and inclusive community events.
The Orchestra needed support in terms of grant funding for its first wellbeing project ‘Unlocking Imagination’ and also contacts within the local arts community. This funding enabled Alina to take its first steps as a fully-fledged arts organisation and reach out to anyone who felt vulnerable in the local community of Milton Keynes, with an offer of support during the current pandemic. Despite the obvious lack of live performance opportunities due to Coronavirus, Alina was able to create and implement its first outreach project thanks to the Community Foundation grant.
The grant enabled the Orchestra project to go from a ‘fantastic idea’ to an actual project. Nick Cutts, General Manager at Alina Orchestra said, “We are eternally grateful to the funding that we received from the Milton Keynes Community Foundation, and also the support they provided throughout the project. The benefit that this project made to participants was huge and, not only has it unlocked Alina’s potential to create great projects with partners, also raised awareness of a new arts organisation within the area.”
“I would take part in another event. I felt all aspects of the workshop were rewarding and definitely helpful to my anxious thoughts during the lockdown.“
“I like the idea of being able to share my music. This is what I miss most. I would definitely take part in another project.”
“I had no expectations when I joined the Alina Orchestra Project, as I had not done anything quite like that before. I was pleased to find the project was fun and made me feel more connected. It helped me to appreciate music more deeply and I learned more about how to use music as a therapeutic tool. It was good to be part of a creative and collaborative experience in such difficult times.”
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How about some #FeelGoodFriday cheer? Delighted to be supporting @OldBathHouse distributing food parcels in the community in partnership with @LarderSofea and @FareShareUK #miltonkeynes #community pic.twitter.com/2ksX0tY8aG
— MK Com Foundation (@MKComFoundation) April 17, 2020
