​Miyabi Duo's performance at HMP Hollesley Bay, 2025. (Text from Britten Pears Arts) 

 

Over the past year, a new and exciting programme from Britten Pears Arts has demonstrated the transformative power of live performance at two prisons local to Snape Maltings – HMP Warren Hill and Hollesley Bay.

As part of the wider music programme, this initiative has seen a range of talented artists visiting the prisons to deliver live performances, offering prisoners a unique opportunity to experience high-quality music in an intimate setting. Performances have included cellist Alban Gerhardt (Aldeburgh Festival Featured Artist 2024), Seckou Keita (Summer at Snape 2024), RELOAD (Britten Pears Arts Residency) and Fibonacci Quartet (Chamber Music in Residence).

This programme not only aims to enhance the prison environment through creative expression, but also seeks to foster rehabilitation and personal growth through the arts, making the connection between creativity and transformation more tangible for those incarcerated.

Each performance offers a change from the usual prison regime, with everyone welcome to come to the visits hall for an hour of live music and an opportunity to ask professional musicians questions, gaining insight into their background and career. For many, this has encouraged them to develop their own skills and inspired outcomes created in music projects throughout the year.

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https://www.brittenpearsarts.org/news/miyabi-duo-at-hmp-hollesley-bay