Music and art in one space at Leamington gallery

The three musicians - Maura Barnett, David Pattendem and Martin Lammyman - gave visitors to the gallery in Regent Court the chance to see them practice, discuss and create music while artists were at work and art was displayed around them.

The venue is special to the trio as it was there where they launched as a band in April this year, during an exhibition by the Embroiderers Guild.

Mum-of-two Maura, who plays the violin, said: “We had discussed all sorts of names for ourselves but not yet decided, so when the opportunity came up to play at the gallery, we though it would be nice to incorporate that into our name. Now we have a very good relationship with Gallery 150.”

Maura had played in quartets with fellow Leamington resident and double bass player Martin, who now makes a career out of performing on cruise ships, but when work was running thin for a period of time for Martin, the two friends decided to form a band.

Maura said: “We found David, who plays the accordian, and thought we had an interesting combination of instruments between the three of us.”

The trio, who were asked to play at the Pump Room for a reception for the Duke of Gloucester when he visited the town earlier this year, perform a real mixture of styles, which include light classical, Jewish wedding music, popular tunes, tangos and Vienesse waltzes.

Maura said: “Holding a rehearsal at an art gallery is quite an interesting idea because unlike when it’s a formal performance, we will sometimes stop to discuss the music and sometimes we will repeat certain sections.

“People can gain an insight into that creative process.

“When we get artists painting in the gallery at the same time it’s really good to have two creative processes taking place at the same time.”

As Martin will be working on cruise ships for the rest of the summer, the trio are taking a break until November, from when they will be available for bookings.

The trio will also be regularly rehearsing in Gallery 150 from November onwards. For further details and to contact them, go online.

gallerytrio.fav.cc