Blind and partially sighted musicians perform stunning concert to celebrate 25 years of vital support
Some of the talented musicians who performed at the Elizabeth Eagle-Bott Memorial Concert
A group of talented blind and partially sighted musicians gathered on Friday (July 3) to showcase their skills at an event at London’s Guildhall School of Music and Drama.
The musicians and composers – all of whom have developed careers in singing, performing or composing across a wide range of instruments – performed for an audience of music professionals, blind and partially sighted people, and partner organisations.
The event celebrated the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Elizabeth Eagle-Bott Memorial Fund – a legacy donation administered by the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) that provides vital support for musicians with sight conditions in the UK.
RNIB’s Chair of Trustees, Anna Tylor, said: “We really want to say a big thank you to Elizabeth Eagle-Bott for her visionary gift which has supported generations of brilliant musicians.
“The evening was a celebration of an exceptionally talented group of people. We know how much this bursary has meant to the musicians involved; for many, it has been absolutely vital in helping them get the foothold they needed in the music industry.
“Without it, many of them wouldn’t have been able to explore their talents, develop stage confidence, or simply sound as good as they do today.
“RNIB is delighted to be part of the Elizabeth Eagle-Bott Memorial Fund as it’s such an incredibly rewarding experience, and we hope the fund can continue to support the careers of many more exceptional musicians.”
The evening was a celebration of an exceptionally talented group of people.
Talented performers
Performers included British composer, clarinettist and former Paraorchestra Associate Music Director, Lloyd Coleman; composer, collaborative artist, music teacher and clarion player, Gareth Churchill; acclaimed soloist and graduate of Canterbury Christ Church University, Charlotte Hardwick; lyric soprano, Joanne Roughton-Arnold; recorder player and founder member of the British Paraorchestra, James Risdon and Royal Conservatoire of Scotland graduate and tenor, Zachary Smith.
Elizabeth Eagle-Bott was herself a talented musician and was inspired to leave a legacy to RNIB after attending an organ recital by a blind musician. Over 25 years, the Elizabeth Eagle-Bott Memorial Fund has awarded approximately £500,000 to alumni and provided support from specialist equipment to adapted instruments and computers. All of those who performed at the event have received support from the fund.
Support for acclaimed lyric soprano
Acclaimed lyric soprano, Joanne Roughton-Arnold, who is partially sighted and a graduate of Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, applied for a grant when her sight loss caused her to switch from violin to opera singing.
She said: “The music industry is enormously competitive. Carving out a musical career is hard, but when you’re also figuring out how to navigate barriers caused by living in a world that isn’t designed for you, it is harder still.
“The Elizabeth Eagle-Bott Memorial Fund and RNIB were by my side throughout my postgraduate vocal studies and as I took my first steps into the profession; the Fund remains close to my heart and has enabled me to grow into a singer, CEO and Creative Director and an advocate for inclusion in the arts.”
RNIB's Music team
RNIB’s Music Support Officer Daisy Higman, said: “There are many extra costs and barriers that blind and partially sighted musicians face, that sighted musicians don’t. It could be extra braille music tuition or transcription or having to pay extra for accessible music equipment and software.
“I don’t know if Elizabeth Eagle-Bott would have ever dreamed that her bequest would have this sort of impact and it was so wonderful that we could bring together some of the talented musicians whose lives and careers have been changed by this fund.”