SONGWRITER and broadcaster Tom Robinson is among the world-renowned musicians lined-up to perform at Coventry’s newest music venue.
Drapers’ Hall, in Bayley Lane is opening this Autumn as a venue for music and music education following a £5m restoration project led by Historic Coventry Trust in partnership with Coventry City Council.
Dr Geoff Willcocks, vice-chair of Historic Coventry Trust, said: “As a heritage development trust, the purpose of Historic Coventry Trust is to restore the city’s historic buildings and put them back to work for the benefit of its people.
“Drapers’ Hall is a perfect example of how we do this.”
The Grade II* listed Drapers’ Hall is the finest Regency building in the city and was built in 1832 by the Drapers Guild as a place to entertain Coventry’s high society.
The major restoration project has been supported by the Prince’s Foundation as one of seven projects for the Prince of Wales’s 70th birthday.
Funding has been provided by the Council through its Cultural Capital programme for UK City of Culture with substantial support from, and funding from, Arts Council England and Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership, via the Government’s Local Growth Fund and the Getting Building Fund.
Darren Henley, chief cxecutive, Arts Council England, said: “Drapers’ Hall will host performances from musicians from around the world, as well as providing a rehearsal and learning space for the incredible local talent in Coventry and Warwickshire.
“It’ll be one of the many exciting legacies of Coventry’s year as UK City of Culture.”
Coun David Welsh, Cabinet Member with responsibilities for heritage in the city, said: “Draper’s Hall has been carefully restored to recognise the great history of the building and it will be a wonderful occasion to see it completed.”
Tom Robinson will be the first to take to the stage on Thursday, November 11 at 8pm, presenting his solo show.
He will be followed by Swedish violinist Johan Dalene on Sunday, November 21 at 2pm and award-winning saxophonist and finalist in the 2016 BBC Young Musician of the Year Jess Gillam on Thursday, November 25 at 8pm.
Stratford-based Orchestra of the Swan, Coventry University’s Orchestra in Residence, will be performing on Friday, November 26 at 8pm, while internationally-known harpist Catrin Finch will be adding to the recitals she has given throughout the world on Sunday, November 28 at 8pm.
Tuba player and composer Theon Cross will perform on Saturday, December 4 at 8pm.
Visit www.drapershallcoventry.org.uk for tickets.
