Music in the Ville is the brainchild of opera singer Emma Dogliani.
In 2017, and at least partly inspired by her grandparents’ work in penal reform in the 1930s, Emma became a prison visitor at Pentonville. Encouraged by the men she met who had never come across an opera singer before, let alone heard one live, she organised a concert inside the prison. The response from both performers and audience was electric – and Music in the Ville was born.
Now, nearly ten years later, together with a group of professional musicians, Music in the Ville runs weekly workshop sessions for 10-15 prisoners – and monthly ‘on the wings’ performances in which prisoners and staff join the performers and make music together – jazz, opera, classical, rap, whatever anyone feels inspired to create.
‘It had been a very tricky week. Out of nowhere came Emma and her musicians. Emma sang a beautiful song. It took the heat out of the prison and changed the mood. It was tangible – I will never forget the feeling that that music created. Music in the Ville creates the right environment for positive change to happen and that is really important…’
Cat Lawrence, former deputy governor of HMP Pentonville
For more about Music in the Ville, go to their website.
The art auction
But of course, this all takes money.
Music in the Ville has many generous supporters and among then are a number of artists who have kindly donated pieces to raise money for the charity. And they are to be auctioned here, at Hampstead Lane, on Monday 6th July.
Included will be pieces by:
- Antony Gormley
- Nicola Green
- Ptolemy Mann
- Grayson Perry
- Ralph Steadman
- Gavin Turk
- Charles Williams
- Jonathan Yeo
- Pieces by some of the prisoners at HMP Pentonville
For images of the pieces for sale, more details and price estimates see here.
The auctioneer for the evening will be Highgate’s own John Plews, presenter, compère, auctioneer and owner and director for over 30 years of Upstairs at the Gatehouse.
Anyone who is unable to join us for the evening but is interested in bidding for one of the artworks, please email Emma Dogliani to arrange a pre/telephone bid.
Food, drink and other entertainment!
The auction is of course the high point of the evening, but that is not all that is on offer…
Emma will tell us more about the charity and some of the people involved – and might even sing for us.
Kate Shortt, cellist, songwriter, comedian and Music in the Ville lead tutor will play for us.
And… there will be lots of wine on offer and one of Salon Music’s spectacular cheese boards, along with toasty breads and lots of healthy crudités!
Times:
- 6.30pm Doors open
- 7pm. Emma and Kate – music and information
- 7.45pm. Food…..
- 8.15pm. Auction.
Cost: We are asking for a £25 donation to the charity.
Go here to book.
And of course, before that we have….
21st June – Garden open for the National Gardens Scheme.
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