Composers come ‘home’ in Longsight

Residents in 20 Manchester streets named after composers are being given the chance to get in tune with the musical inspiration behind their addresses.

The Music Of Our Streets Festival, backed by the City Council, is inviting residents of the classically-inspired cluster of streets in Northmoor, Longsight, to a series of concerts featuring music by many of the composers.

Despite giving their name to the streets not all the composers are household names. They range from well-known luminaries such as Edward Elgar, Henry Purcell and Hubert Parry, who wrote the music to Jerusalem, to less widely known figures such as George McFarren and 16th Century composer Thomas Tallis.

The free concerts take place at Northmoor Road Methodist Church in Northmoor Road from 6.30-8.30pm on Sunday 15, Sunday 22 and Sunday 29 of June. They are open to everyone but local people are especially welcome and will receive special invitations.

Crowcroft Park Primary School and Stanley Grove Primary School have also been investigating the musical heritage of the area and will present their work during the second and third concerts . Related poetry and art competitions will also be held in both schools.

The City Council's Executive Member for Arts and Leisure Councillor Mike Amesbury's has a personal connection to the project. His mother Maureen (nee Higgs) and grandmother Win Higgs both lived in Purcell Street.

He said: "This is a hugely imaginative project which is bringing together the local community in a cultural celebration with its roots in their area's history. I'm sure residents will find it right up their street!"

The concerts were the brainchild of Pastor Raymond Cochrane of Northmoor Road Methodist Church.

He said: "My job means I'm often out and about in the area. As a classical music fan myself I recognised the origins of the street names but I felt that many people may not realise where they came from. It's just one element of Longsight's rich and wonderful heritage and I thought it was worth bringing to wider attention. Everyone who I've spoken to about the project has been really supportive and enthusiastic."

The Northmoor area of Longsight has been hailed as a national example of how neighbourhoods can be successfully revitalised. Manchester City Council, Manchester Methodist Housing Association (part of the Great Places group) and other organisations have worked together to improve the area.

MEDIA CONTACT: Roger Williams, Press Office Tel: 0161 234 3275