A tree is rooted in the ground, connected to other trees, reaching for the sky, it is drawing its energy from the earth, from the sun and the air. It is alive and constantly changing and growing.
This is how I feel about ‘Music by Jack’s Lake’ summer concerts, while celebrating 4 years old birthday this year.
Since I moved to Barnet in 2017, Jack’s Lake has become my temple. I come here with my dogs to enjoy its beauty. I am lucky to observe how it changes throughout the year. From bare frosty trees, to first fluffy buds, ankle high mud, to yellow irises and white lilies, giant trees fallen in the storm and herons nesting, and a breathtaking palate of shades of green. I come here on my own to share my prayers, hopes and grieves – it is the nature that I find most inspiring, comforting and healing.
And now I run a music festival here, connecting the communities, creating and performing most imaginative programmes with incredible and inspiring world-class musicians. As well as supporting charities.
Our first concert was in the summer of 2021, with three friends, lithium battery and sunshine. We had an audience of 200, still wearing facial covers. Since I have invited Tessa Seymour – Royal Opera House orchestra (an incredible cellist), Charles Mutter – BBC concert orchestra (Tremendous violinist, pianist, viola player and is an incredible arranger), Michael Czanyi-Wills, who writes music for films and is an internationally acclaimed pianist and a celebrated piano/composition teacher, Jean-Kristoff Bouton – an acclaimed Operatic baritone, singing internationally, Judith Kelemen – an amazing viola player from BBC Concert Orchestra, David Sztankov – immensely exciting young talented horn player, Zika Nicolic – a thrilling accordion player.
I feel grateful to so many people who help me make ‘Music by Jack’s Lake’ happen and without whom my lovely idea will not have come to fruition. My wholehearted gratitude is to the musicians, who give their time and huge talents so generously. My huge gratitude goes to John Hall, whose belief in these concerts and enthusiasm are really what is making this festival reach the sky. I am immensely grateful to Roger De La Mer and all who volunteer their time, put so much thought into making it better and to help it run smoothly. Immense thank you to Jim Sorenson and to World Heart Beat Music Academy.
This year ‘Music by Jack’s Lake’ is proudly presented by Monken Hadley Trust I am also immensely grateful to the sponsors and benefactors, who’s generosity allowed me to bring in the best musicians and create an opportunity for the public to donate their contributions towards two charities. Monken Hadley Common Trust and Marcia Elton music bursary.
Marcia Elton helped me enormously when I came to London, to study at the Royal College of Music. We became friends until her death in 2017 and it is in her name that I have established this bursary, to help a young talented singing student to have singing lessons and workshops at World Heart Beat Music Academy.
A wise man once said: ‘Don’t look at the seed every day to watch it grow, trust it and water it plenty, it will all happen at the right moment’ I feel that this is exactly what has been happening to ‘Music by Jack’s Lake’
I consider these concerts a miracle, something positive that came out of the pandemic. I also consider each concert a miracle, because we all pray for the weather to be with us. And I want to also thank our wonderful audiences. People bring folded chairs, picnics and sometimes brave few drops of rain or slightly cooler conditions. I always receive such generous and warm feedback. This is an extraordinary experience with the backdrop of the lake being a perfect setting, with the sky above, the sun setting and the trees around creating a natural amphitheatre shape. There is a beautiful relaxing and uplifting live music and lots of families smiling. The most common feedback I get is that time stops here and all the racing of life becomes somehow easier. To me this is all a living, breathing organism of the community and I am so thrilled to be facilitating it and being part of it.
Our next concert is called ‘The Hope’. We will bring an exciting, familiar and new tunes from Cabaret/ Klezmer/Romantic music for accordion, violin, piano and voice. We might not change this world in one evening, but we will bring the multi-faith, diverse community together in nature and together we will pray through the music for peace. And with that we hope to send a ripple effect and inspire…
Can’t wait to see you there. Ilona
