Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1418273
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 10 OCTOBER 2021 4 MUSIC CHOIR of the Earth is thrilled to announce an exciting and en- vironmentally-friendly new en- deavour - Concerts of the Earth - bringing live and interactive concerts from sensational pro- fessional artists to a global at- home audience. When The Self-Isolation Choir's Founder, Mark Stra- chan, announced its future-fo- cused rebrand as Choir of the Earth in July 2021, he vowed to look to the environment for in- spiration. The launch of Con- certs of the Earth - a brand new series of livestreamed, on- line-only concerts - is another demonstration of this commit- ment. Imagine a live concert in a medium-sized venue in an av- erage city in England. 400 au- dience members are travelling from home, work, or a restau- rant for an evening of music and entertainment. A handful walk to the venue, some take public transport, and many drive the average distance of 6.9 miles (as per the 2021 Na- tional Travel Survey) - let's say 100 average-sized petrol cars in all. The carbon footprint of those 100 cars driving only 6.9 miles each amounts to approximately 194kg of carbon dioxide equiv- alent greenhouse gasses. To neutralise 194kg of CO2 in one day requires the absorption capacity of a whopping 3,374 trees… and all for one concert. Imagine how many just like it are taking place every day across the planet. The Climate Emergency is real, and time is running out. Change is needed now, and the music community must play its part. Concerts of the Earth, working alongside our sister or- ganisation, Choir of the Earth, is committed to aggressive- ly pursuing a carbon-friendly agenda, using innovative tech- nology to minimise the carbon footprint of live music. We also appreciate that trav- elling to concerts in person is not always possible for every- one, be it due to geography, ex- pense, childcare, disability, or a host of other barriers. Howev- er, we believe it is important to give audiences worldwide the opportunity to experience the wonderful talents of the art- ists we have had the privilege to work with, and furthermore that we must support these performers at this challenging time by sharing their talents on a world stage. The Corona- virus lockdowns, whilst tragic and incredibly damaging to the music industry, brought with it the realisation that it is possi- ble to connect and share fulfill- ing, immersive and moving ex- periences without ever leaving your home. Concerts of the Earth will therefore broadcast these ex- citing performances via high quality livestreaming technol- ogy to ensure that wherever you live, and whatever is going on in your life, you have the chance to watch, hear and even interact with these amazing musicians at a convenient time and cost, and all with minimal impact on our precious envi- ronment. We have learned in recent times how important social interaction can be, especial- ly to those who are isolated. Interactivity is something we are therefore proud to champi- on by running a live text chat throughout the performance so attendees who wish to do so can interact during the event. Of course, those who would rather focus fully on the per- formance can close the chat and savour an intimate concert in the comfort of their own home. After the concert, the au- dience will have the oppor- tunity to take part in a lively on-screen discussion with the performer, who will answer questions, both pre-submitted and from the live chat. How many concerts can you attend in your slippers and then share a post-concert drink with the singer, safe in the knowledge that you are saving the world? Tickets cost £10 each, avail- able to purchase on the Con- certs of the Earth website, and participants will receive the private link to the livestream via email. The performers will be singing live solely for the online audience - there will be no physical audience pres- ent. The concert recording will remain available to watch again whenever and as often as desired. The initial online recitals will feature Bass-Bari- tone Ashley Riches in October, Mezzo-Soprano Helen Charl- ston in November, and jazz duo L'Estranges in the Night in December, with further con- certs to be announced shortly. Classical goes carbon-friendly a brand new series of livestreamed concerts Ashley Riches