At Britten Pears Arts, volunteering is at the heart of what we do. From the vibrant activities we offer to children of all ages, to the meticulous work of uncovering the rich history of Benjamin Britten and Peter Pears, our volunteers play a crucial role in every aspect of our organization. Whether it's assisting our learning teams in delivering engaging programs, supporting our dedicated archive team in their research, or ensuring a warm welcome for audiences attending our world-renowned concerts, there are countless ways to get involved and make a difference.
Julie became a volunteer usher with us earlier this year. Discover her experience below.
I joined the volunteer concert usher team at BPA just in time to catch some lovely spring concerts this year. The training was excellent, and the two ‘shadow’ opportunities helped to consolidate theory into practice. However, I still feel very new and am most grateful to all the experienced volunteers who advise and support me when I usher.
It has been an ambition to volunteer for BPA from my first experience of attending and taking part in concerts over fifty years ago. My three years as a student at the University of East Anglia were greatly enhanced by the opportunity to sing in the UEA choir and in the Aldeburgh Singers. It was amazing to be conducted by Britten in his War Requiem and to hear recitals with Britten playing for Peter Pears. I also remember a wonderful performance of The Turn of The Screw with Pears and Heather Harper. Another extraordinary experience was to sing as part of the chorus in a partly staged performance of Tchaikovsky’s opera Iolanta directed by Galina Vishnevskaya with Britten Pears Young Artists.
It is a great privilege to be part of the many volunteers who support BPA. My fellow volunteer ushers are a delightful group of people and a joy to work with. I like the ‘uniform.’ I don’t usually wear black or dark colours so it’s quite fun to find slightly unusual black outfits for all seasons!
I am really enjoying the 75th Aldeburgh Festival especially being able to listen to music, as an usher, that might not be my first choice as a concert goer. A case in point was the extraordinary performance by Gweneth Ann Rand of a Messiaen song cycle accompanied by the masterful piano of Simon Lepper and projections of art works by Rachel Jones. In addition, I have signed up to usher at more concerts when needed.
I would highly recommend volunteering with BPA. If you contact Ella Southgate, Volunteer Manager, she will gladly direct you to the best role for you. Why not take the plunge, don a red ribbon with name badge and join the team!
Julie Winyard, Volunteer Usher
