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The Redditch Advertiser Archives – 14 October 2015

Dulcimer World Congress celebrated at the Palace Theatre Redditch -
2015

MUSICANS and music lovers from across the county came together in Redditch to celebrate
the start of the Dulcimer World Congress 2015.
The event, which celebrates the diversity and different cultures of the dulcimer family of
instruments, marked the start of the Dulcimer World Congress’ Outreach Programme which
will run across Worcestershire over the next three weeks.
A performance, held in the Palace Theatre's Room Upstairs, featured world class performers
Tania Opland and Mike Freeman, and Worcestershire-based hammered dulcimer student
Grace Clifford, aged 12.
Sally Whytehead, chair of Dulcimer World Congress, said: "We were treated to an evening of
exciting and entertaining music on two types of dulcimer, as well as a show of other
instruments, which took us on an international journey. It was the perfect way to start the
Dulcimer World Congress which we are thrilled is being held in Worcestershire this year, the
first time it has ever been to the UK.
"Since getting a millennium grant, Redditch has become a regional focus for dulcimer players
- there’s more players here than any other town in the UK – so it’s quite poignant that the
festival was launched here."
Council arts and events officer Huw Moseley said: "I was extremely impressed by the event
last night and didn’t realise how beautiful the dulcimer sounded as an instrument.
"It is an honour and a joy that this prestigious international congress is coming to our
borough and we were more than happy to support and encourage it to take place in
Worcestershire.
If you get the opportunity to attend one of the concerts being put on don’t hesitate to
attend."
This year is the first time it has been held in the UK having visited 11 other countries since
1991 and the launch was sponsored by Redditch Borough Council.

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