The Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) has received funding from the Arts & Humanities Research Council (AHRC) to present a new research project exploring music making in Manchester during the First World War.

Drawing on the archives of the RNCM, Henry Watson Music Library and Hallé Concert Society, 'Making Music in Manchester during World War I' will bring to life the music of the city and wider region during the period through interactive performances, workshops, exhibitions, and online resources.

Brass bands

The project will be led by Professor Barbara Kelly (RNCM Director of Research), assisted by College Archivist Heather Roberts, researcher Geoff Thomason, partners and volunteers.

The RNCM will also work with regional brass bands to explore the fascinating story of players who, on their return from service, received scholarships to study at the College after the war.

Trace

Professor Kelly told 4BR: "We are delighted to have the chance to work with community partners and volunteers to explore the traces of music making in Manchester during and immediately after the First World War.

These fascinating, under-explored collections include everything from concert programmes and private letters, to official records and newspaper cuttings.

Over the course of 10 months we will work closely with many people, including regional brass bands, making comparisons with musical life in London and Paris."

we will cast light on the students who remained at the College of Music, and professionals and amateurs who performed throughout the Manchester area to see how the trauma of war affected lives and music makingRNCM

Trauma

She added: "Together, we will cast light on the students who remained at the Royal Manchester College of Music, and professionals and amateurs who performed throughout the Manchester area to see how the trauma of war affected lives and music making."

Starting in March, 'Making Music in Manchester during World War I' will include performances by current RNCM students who will recreate selected wartime concerts that took place at the College and throughout Manchester.

Exhibitions

There will also be exhibitions of selected materials from the combined archives, which will be on show at the RNCM, Central Library and online.

The general public is also invited to contribute their own personal items to the exhibitions.