Emma-Marie Kabanova is an award winning Danish-British violinist who has travelled the world playing for royalty and celebrities. Coles Miller are very proud to support Emma-Marie's performance of the Mystery Sonatas with the Phantasia Ensemble.
Here, Emma-Marie explains her family connection with Coles Miller and why supporting the charity SPRING means so much.
For as long as I can remember, Coles Miller has been part of my life. Some of my earliest memories involved playing with pink ribbons tied around the files under my Dad’s desk on Parkstone Road whilst Dad dictated letters on his ancient dictaphone. My Dad, David Lee, worked for Coles Miller for most of his adult life, retiring to become the pastor of a local church, only to return to Coles Miller as a locum.
Last year my beloved Dad was diagnosed with late stage cancer and passed away peacefully after a short illness. 3 months later my beautiful twin daughter and son were born at just 20 weeks. Sadly they didn’t live long. My husband and I spent 5 days in the SPRING Suit at Poole Hospital where the bereavement midwives looked after us, bringing me back to strength and helping us in our grief.
Music has always been a comfort for me, so I threw myself back into my work as a professional violinist. For a long time I’d wanted to perform a large complicated piece called the Mystery Sonatas, which is based on events in the life of Christ. My Dad loved this piece, it is beautiful and majestic as all classical music can be, but it also has elements of popular music and folk music. It’s an absolute joy to play!
After I lost my babies, I knew I had to perform the Mystery Sonatas to raise money for SPRING and honour my babies, but also in memory of my Dad. I spoke to my colleagues and they all agreed, however they live in Salisbury and the Isle of Wight. It became clear that we would not raise much money if we also had to cover travel costs. Coles Miller generously offered to sponsor these concerts in memory of my Dad. We have performed two successful concerts, with one to go. I warmly invite you to join us as we perform this incredibly glorious and uplifting music for a very good cause.
Phantasia Ensemble performs the Glorious Mysteries
Saturday 13th April, 7pm
St Hubert's Church, Corfe Mullen BH21 3RF
