The Henry Desmond Orchestra is a newly formed group conceived upon two core objectives; to perform the music of film, tv and theatre for an ever-widening audience and to champion the plight of tackling mental health within the performing arts, raising awareness for this pervasive issue.
In March I was very fortunate to see the production of Pippin at the Southwark Playhouse. During this production, the company paid tribute to a member of their original Hope Mill Theatre production who had tragically taken their own life between the Manchester run and the transfer to London. Along with my own experiences, seeing this production and the power of their moving tribute helped me to realise the extent to which mental health problems affect the theatre industry and the arts industry as a whole, and the ever-increasing need to shine a light upon and support this cause. In addition to myself, I have worked with many friends and colleagues who have experienced mental health challenges ranging from minor anxieties to more serious symptoms, and I feel more driven than ever to use the power of live music to make an impact in promoting mental health within the industry and helping those who do such life-changing work in the field.
The Orchestra has recently been lucky enough to be in contact with Oliver Boito, a new up and coming composer who has released the album Notes Of Love, featuring some of the West End’s leading performers. Notes Of Love is an exploration into the power of song to express the inexpressible, and touch on the emotive forces and impact of love in its many guises. The songs range from epic and timeless orchestral arrangements to the more contemporary purity of piano and solo string, each composed to deliver evocative stories, melodies and emotions that stir imagination and grab the heart. We are delighted that Oliver has agreed for the Orchestra to perform some of these new songs in our Launch concert in April 2019.
As a group we have some exciting opportunities on the horizon for productions. Based in Shoreham, Kent, we have links with the award-winning Mount Vineyard; with the possibility of open-air concerts in the grounds of the vineyard, to provide an amazing backdrop for the orchestra to perform in with a relaxed, all-inclusive feel.
Our April 2019 concert is in full flow with plans coming together to create what we hope will be a memorable opening for the orchestra. However, to make this evening as amazing as possible we are looking to include local business in Sevenoaks to sponsor the performance. Below I have outlined the sponsorship opportunities we have on offer, but please don’t let this restrict you if you think you can offer us something different then please don’t hesitate to talk with us about this.
Gold
£5,000+
Full Page Advert in the programme
Full Page of “advertorial” in the programme such as “a letter from our sponsor”
‘Sponsor company’ Logo on all posters, flyers, etc
An Invitation to attend the performance as our guest
Silver
£2,000-£5,000
Half Page Advert in the programme
‘Sponsor Name’ on posters and flyers
An invitation to attend the performance as our guest.
Bronze
£500-£2,000
A quarter page advert in the programme
‘Sponsor Name’ recognition in programme
We hope that we can discuss the possibilities with you and create a firm friendship between your business and our orchestra for current and future productions so that we can bring the joy of music to more people and spread awareness of the plight of mental health problems on many in the performing arts.
Henry Desmond
Founder and Musical Director
Henry Desmond Orchestra
hdesmondorch@outlook.com
07713117288