Have you been part of music making in Hitchin? Would you like to contribute to my forthcoming book on the history of music in the town?
Juggling words and music has been the source of flavour in my life, since learning piano at Highbury House at the age of seven with Janet Flavell/Orwin. I migrated to the clarinet (with Harry Bichard) and thence to saxophones (with Harry first and then John Myatt), to some degree of success. Writing was always another passion and it is now a pleasure to combine all of this with my love of Hitchin and the amazing community here.
Starting this project in January 2025 has opened all kinds of doors and I have spoken to several people with fascinating stories to tell about their part in the history of music in Hitchin.
For those who don’t know, Hitchin is a small town in Hertfordshire, around 30 miles north of London. Over centuries, it has attracted creative people to visit and settle: music has become an important part of this community. This project aims to create a book that documents the various musicians, organisations and venues that have helped us create and enjoy music over time in this singular part of the world.
‘A History of Music in Hitchin’ has many strands and it has already gone in directions of which I had no concept. People are remembering stories that need telling.
But this is a project that also intends to shed light on the music of today - all genres - being written and played by musicians of all ages with a connection to Hitchin. They create all around the world and will, no doubt, continue to do so. I am expecting the second edition of this book to correct the mistakes I make in research or retelling and shed new light.
I am grateful to everyone who has already contributed to my research and look forward to hearing and reading about more of these stories.
Starting this project in January 2025 has opened all kinds of doors and I have spoken to several people with fascinating stories to tell about their part in the history of music in Hitchin.
For those who don’t know, Hitchin is a small town in Hertfordshire, around 30 miles north of London. Over centuries, it has attracted creative people to visit and settle: music has become an important part of this community. This project aims to create a book that documents the various musicians, organisations and venues that have helped us create and enjoy music over time in this singular part of the world.
‘A History of Music in Hitchin’ has many strands and it has already gone in directions of which I had no concept. People are remembering stories that need telling.
But this is a project that also intends to shed light on the music of today - all genres - being written and played by musicians of all ages with a connection to Hitchin. They create all around the world and will, no doubt, continue to do so. I am expecting the second edition of this book to correct the mistakes I make in research or retelling and shed new light.
I am grateful to everyone who has already contributed to my research and look forward to hearing and reading about more of these stories.
Comments
Post a Comment