MUSIC is to be used to help improve mental health in three free online events led by the Scottish Ensemble in tandem with cancer charity Maggie’s.

The events are being staged in response to the mental health challenges thrown up by the Covid-19 pandemic which has seen people struggling to cope with loneliness, bereavement, financial pressures, working from home and home-schooling.

The ensemble, the UK’s leading string orchestra, has a long-standing relationship with Maggie’s and for the past four years has been supporting its work with people with cancer and their families by bringing live music into their centres.

Now it is taking the music and mindfulness sessions online with the free, one-hour events on March 28 at 3pm and March 30 at 2pm and then again at 5.30pm.

The ensemble’s music will be complemented with tips from Maggie’s lead psychologist, Lesley Howells, on how music can be used to improve well-being. Young people’s mental health, in particular, is seen to be at risk due to the pressures and anxieties stemming from the pandemic, so the ensemble has also programmed a Maggie’s event for schools on March 29.

Like the events for adults but tailored to the needs of children in years P6 to S6, this will address the types of stresses the young people might be encountering while possibly also introducing them to new music.

“These free events give people a much-needed opportunity to switch off, step back, and put their own wellbeing centre stage,” said William Norris, the ensemble’s interim chief executive.

“Maggie’s Centres are at the forefront of the quest to improve mental wellbeing with music and conversation, and the way they resiliently continue to improve the lives of so many every single day is truly inspiring.

“We’re delighted to be working with them again to help bring the soothing and stress-relieving power of music to as many people as possible, and can’t wait to see what this partnership brings in the future.”

In addition to these events, Scottish Ensemble is continuing to promote innovation and collaboration in its 2021 digital programme.

Premiering online on April 29, First Light is a collaboration between the ensemble and Max Baillie of Lodestar Trio and ZRI.

The concert features works by Haydn, Vivaldi, Jessie Montgomery, Steve Martland and Baillie himself and was filmed under Covid-secure conditions in the Glasgow’s Engine Works.

Norris said it symbolised the transition society was going through, both in terms of slowly coming out of restrictions and also the changing of the seasons.

“Max brings a unique creative flair to everything he does, and his music-making reflects our values around innovation, reaching new audiences and promoting cross-pollination of sounds and styles. It has been a privilege to have worked with him,” he said. “We really hope our audiences, both new and existing, enjoy tuning in.”

Baillie added: “It was an absolute pleasure working with Scottish Ensemble to create First Light, which to me symbolises positivity and hope as we look towards spring and the rest of 2021.

“We have all had to adapt over the past 12 months and to be able to work with such a forward thinking, adaptable and innovative organisation was a hugely refreshing and rewarding experience. I really hope that audiences the world over enjoy First Light as much as I enjoyed making it.”