Roman River Music

Roman River Music produces an annual festival along the idyllic Roman River Valley in coastal Essex, and runs a series of in-school music days in Colchester's most deprived areas.

Beach Huts, Mersea Island

I was quite simply blown away by everything my class achieved on Tuesday. It was a joy to watch and the whole school loved the performance.

'Many congratulations on a truly wonderful festival and thank you for bringing such superb entertainment to our doorstep. I thoroughly enjoyed every night and it was obvious that I was not the only one who felt that way.'

The festival is programmed by Artistic Director Orlando Jopling and invites top classical, jazz and folk musicians to give concerts in the fantastic acoustics of atmospheric and ancient churches.

Just to say thank you very much for a wonderful and beautifully organised festival.

In between concerts, you can eat oysters on Mersea Island, visit Beth Chatto’s famous gardens, and explore the coastal scenery - click here for more ideas and where to stay.

Colne Estaury

You have set up a remarkable festival. It was the first time I have been to the church at East Mersea - a lovely, light-filled place.

Our venues are intimate and concerts regularly sell out, so we would encourage you to email us to join our mailing list.

The music was breathtaking .. a unique and enjoyable evening.

The Roman River valley is close to Colchester in Essex and within two hours drive from London, UK.

Mersea Island

ROMAN RIVER MUSIC

Roman River Music was founded in 2000 and became a charity in 2008.

TRUSTEES  

Harry Anderson, Adrian Biggs, Andrew Canessa, Jess Cottrell and Rebecca Rocket

PRODUCTION TEAM

Hilary and Derek Gay, Liz Pilkington, Carol Hull, Michael Menzies, Lindsay Wilson, Lyn Rodley, Malcolm and July Kimmance, Daniela Bechly,
Hana Loftus, Sue Eking, Jill Hill and Jane Wilson

Dedham Church

Our work in schools

Dominic Harlan, Music Days Director

We hold music days at schools in areas of regeneration within the Colchester area, where musical experience is limited. Music days open up an undiscovered world to children who would otherwise be excluded. They are accessible to all children regardless of economic background.


Roman River Music won the Essex County Council Chairman's Fund Award in 2011 "in recognition of their commitment and dedication to enrich the lives of young people in their local community".

I was quite simply blown away by everything my class achieved on Tuesday. It was a joy to watch and the whole school loved the performance.

Using some of opera and music theatre’s greatest moments as a starting point, participants learn arias and ensemble music, as well as composing their own original songs, and perform the work in the inspiring architecture of firstsite.

Roman River Music is able to run this project thanks to the generosity of our supporters, trusts and funding bodies.

Schools wishing to take part should contact info@romanrivermusic.org.uk or ring 01206 729 356. We are in talks with the following schools for 2012: Willowbrook (north Colchester), Cherry Tree (south Colchester), St John's Green, Monckwick, St George's Newtown, St Michael's and St John's Clay Lane (central Colchester), Layer de la Haye (west of Colchester), Old Heath, Fingringhoe and Mersea (all south of Colchester).