More than 180 musicians will come together this weekend in memory of their musical mentor and inspiration, who died last year.

Founder of the Kent Youth Wind Orchestra, Maidstone Youth Music Society (MYMS), the Maidstone Singers and Jupiter Workshops and music director of the Maidstone Choral Union and West Malling Community Choir, Jeffrey Vaughan Martin was hugely influential during his 45-year career.

Friends and colleagues keen to stage a celebration befitting his contribution, came up with the JVM All Stars, who will be probably the largest choir to be assembled in the Maidstone – 180 musicians – and who even include members of Jeffrey’s family.

As part of the celebrations, world-famous percussionist Dame Evelyn Glennie, has filmed a special performance of her marimba piece, A Little Prayer.

After gathering together such an ensemble, organisers were then faced with the tricky choice: what pieces would best reflect Jeffrey’s career?

In the end, much of the music was chosen due to its relevance to the performers.

Concert producer Tommy Pearson, who is also a former Kent Music pupil, said: “This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the force of nature that was Jeffrey Vaughan Martin.

“I can’t imagine what I would be doing now if it wasn’t for his vision, energy and generosity; the opportunities he gave to us all were extraordinary.”

Ken Scott, chairman of Maidstone Area Arts Partnership, said: “Not only did Jeffrey impact on Maidstone’s cultural scene through his hands-on approach, but he also played an important supporting role.

“As a long-time trustee of Maidstone Area Arts Partnership he consistently promoted two things – young people and groups working together to support each other. In bringing together so many people that loved and admired him, we are proudly following the sentiments that were important to him.”

Performances will include Exsultate, Jubilate by Karl Jenkins, which was the last piece Jeffrey rehearsed with the Maidstone Singers, and Gallimaufry, now a classic for the Kent Wind Symphony Orchestra, the composer of which, Guy Woolfenden, died on the same day as Jeffrey.

As well as the music, large screens will show filmed tributes, video clips and photos of Jeffrey at work.

And lastly, how to continue his legacy? Profits raised will go to a new Jeffrey Vaughan Martin Bursary Fund which will be used to support young musicians of promise.

DETAILS

All the groups Jeffrey Vaughan Martin was involved with during his career are represented in Celebrating Jeffrey – A Life in Music on Sunday, March 19 at 3pm in Mote Hall, Maidstone.

The programme includes Britten’s Fanfare for St Edmundsbury Trumpet Trio, Walton’s Crown Imperial by MYMS and the JVM All Stars, Karl Jenkins’ Exsultate, Jubilate by the Maidstone Singers, Graham Loveland’s You Raise Me Up by West Malling Community Choir, Haydn’s Creation - the Heavens Are Telling by Maidstone Choral Union, among others.
Tickets cost from £10 and are free for under-12s.

Buy them online here or call Malcolm Withnall on 01622 736392 or email mewithnall@gmail.com