Voices on song for their town move
One of Ayrshire’s most revered musical schools has relocated to Prestwick.
Marilyn de Blieck and Raymond Bramwell are behind The Song Studio at 180 Main Street.
The pair, who have spent a lifetime as musicians, teachers and performers, are famed for running the Ayrshire Voices brand.
The respected coaching classes will now run from their own premises in the town.
Students and singers from all over Ayrshire and expected to be drawn to Prestwick to attend the workshops.
The Song Studio was officially opened by Ayrshire- born and internationally famous composer, Sir James MacMillan CBE.
Sir James spoke of his admiration for Marilyn and Raymond’s work over many years, and of the influence it had on him in his youth.
He emphasised that “they have never given up” although working in the arts is always fraught with difficulties – both financial and practical.
Following his words and the cutting of the ribbon, guests enjoyed a short entertainment devised by Marilyn and featuring former Ayrshire Voices student Pauline Graham, now pursuing a distinguished career as a solo singer from her current base in Ireland.
Marilyn said: “The Song Studio will meet a long- felt need for a centre of excellence in singing in this part of the world by providing a purposebuilt environment for singers of all ages to study, rehearse and come together.
“The new Ayrshire Voices experience encompasses several areas – singing lessons for both young people and adults both individually and in groups, the opportunity to sing choral classics in the Choir of Ayrshire Voices, access to the AV Music Library now housed at the studio, and an administrative base for concerts in Ayrshire celebrating the human voice under the “Songworks” banner.
“It is our hope that the studio and its activities will become an integral part of the artistic and community life of Ayrshire in general and Prestwick in particular in the years to come.”