Music / Bristol Drugs Project
Bristol Drugs Project (BDP) Anniversary Gala review: ‘An inspiring night of healing and triumph’
“Music heals” may sound an overused cliche, but if someone had been lucky enough to be at the special anniversary gala of Bristol Drugs Project (BDP) marking its decade legacy, this pronouncement is adequately justified.
Behind every voice there was the echo of a struggle; behind every cadence there was the reminder of a quiet perseverance; behind every crescendo there was the salutation of a soaring triumph.
And behind every individual performance there was an individual who was freed, in the manner a master sculptor would have freed a Classical hero; free, naked and triumphant.
is needed now More than ever
Any attempt at waxing lyrical fails to grasp the beauty, eloquence and elegance of the memorable showcase which featured the creative groups under the collective umbrella of Bristol Drugs Project.
The anniversary gala event marking the decade legacy of BDP was the farewell concert of the conductor Jon James – photo: BDP
The Gala included talents and journeys, with performances from Rising Voices Recovery Choir, Bristol Recovery Orchestra, Oi Polloi Theatre Group, Changing Tunes Beginners Group, Hip Hop Garden, Recovery in Motion and Bristol Sober Spaces.
The event was filled to the rafters with music lovers and well wishers of Bristol Drugs Project at Circomedia. The former church provided the ideal setting for the evening with optimum ambience and acoustics.
As we caught the action from the choir loft of the defunct St Paul’s Church, which gave its name to the area, there was a palpable energy which filled the space.
After the opening remarks of Anna Smith, chief executive of BDP it was a rollercoaster ride of music, dance and spoken words.
It is not often one hears the popular Raiders March by John Williams embellished with African drums. And it is not often one hears Oasis and Cat Stevens as choral arrangements. BDP Gala Night had it all and more.
The night of performances kicked off with a poetry recitation by a member of Oi Polloi theatre group which conveyed the poignant message of “Let your light shine” that neatly segued into a toe-tapping rendition of Paul Simon’s The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin’ Groovy) with the courtesy of Rising Voices.
The umbrella body, BDP, offers a weekly program of creative groups and events designed for adults affected by drug or alcohol use. Under the initiative, talented arts practitioners have teamed up with drug workers and volunteers to support recovery, build positive connections, combat stigma, and enhance vital work and social skills within a lively and supportive community.
Part of the Bristol Drugs Project, a charity with 36 years of expertise in harm reduction and treatment services, Creative Communities is committed to helping individuals achieve their personal transformation goals, no matter what they may be. The group’s efforts were further bolstered with the engagement of Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra who provided the gleaming veneer to the orchestra.
Poet Pete Weinstock reading an excerpt from his latest poetry collection – photo: Milan Perera
The event also featured excerpts from the latest poetry collection of the esteemed poet Pete Weinstock which was available for purchase during the interval.
The interval was preceded by Raiders March of John Williams performed by Bristol Recovery Orchestra under the baton of Jon James as one never heard it before. As the final crescendo brought it to its grand conclusion the audience erupted into a raucous applause that lasted for several minutes.
The second half included the virtuoso showdown of Hamilton and Greg on clarinet and piano as they were accompanied by Bristol Recovery Orchestra Chamber Group when they played Aux Champs Élysées. Their melodic lines intertwined to create a sonic strand of rare beauty which garnered critical acclaim from the audience.
The creative endeavours of BDP for the last few years were propelled by the musicians Sophie Wilsdon and Jon James who led the creative groups with affection, attention and care. Sophie Wilsdon, a clarinettist, was inspired to guide BDP after seeing a similar project in Brighton. But it was farewell for the much-loved conductor Jon James who was leaving BDP for a similar initiative and a different challenge.
The evening ended with a high-octane performance of Uptown Funk by Bruno Mars with the participation of all performers who were joined by the audiences who kept the rhythm with the band.
To learn more about Bristol Drugs Project (BDP), visit www.bdp.org.uk
Main photo: Milan Perera
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