Sound Portraits

Ideal Home Show

Have you ever had your portrait painted? A visual artist will seek to create an image of the person who sits before them. It takes a really gifted and skilled artist to capture a true likeness. We believe that it’s possible to paint pictures with music as well as the brush or pen. With our instruments and voices we use improvised music as a means of creating a ‘sound portrait’ of the people we play for.

We don’t pretend to be able to capture an exact likeness of a person as an artist would on canvas, but simply allow ourselves to be guided by impressions that we get of a person (or couple), inspiring us to play a certain motif, chord structure or melody, interwoven to produce a piece of music that we believe captures some aspect of that person’s identity. Like a reflection in a mirror, the image is reflected back in music. The person whose portrait is being played may see themselves portrayed as they’ve never been before!



Upcoming Sound Portrait Events

Epiphany Event

Epiphany in Hertfordshire

Epiphany will be playing Sound Portraits and a 'The Space' evening for a private event in Hertfordshire.

Epiphany Event

'The Space' creative retreat

Join Epiphany for another 'The Space' Creative Retreat at Ashburnham Place in E. Sussex. Be inspired by the beautiful surroundings of Ashburnham, have a Sound Portrait with Epiphany’s musicians, or to engage in photography and art explorations with Rachel Kiley and Tamara Jackson, as well as opportunity for conversation and sharing ideas. Come with your instruments, cameras or art materials and enjoy stretching your creative skills!

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Epiphany Event

Playing for recovering alcoholics and drug addicts

Epiphany will be playing Sound Portraits and other improvisations for a private event in Birmingham for an organisation who help recovering alcoholics and drug addicts.


Some of our previous projects


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Epiphany in Brighton

Epiphany loved being involved in a creative weekend in Brighton based at St Luke's Church, Prestonville. We played several Sound Portraits on the Saturday afternoon followed by a 'The Space' session that evening. On the Sunday morning we provided the music for a morning service and were joined by Tamara Jackson (artist).

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Playing for Ukrainian refugees and others.

Epiphany enjoyed a session playing Sound Portraits for Ukrainian refugees in Bexhill-on-Sea as well as for visitors and staff at Ashburnham Place in E. Sussex

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Sparks weekend at Ashburnham

Epiphany Enjoyed being involved in another 'Sparks' weekend at Ashburnham Place. This was a weekend for those who are full of wonder and creativity, who long for a better world for themselves, their families and their communities.

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Playing for Ukrainian refugees and others.

Epiphany were privileged to visit a local Ukrainian refugee hub in Bexhill-on-Sea to play for refugees and their families. We also enjoyed leading various creative events and Sound Portraits at Ashburnham Place in E. Sussex.

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'The Space' - a creative retreat

Epiphany enjoyed leading another 'The Space' Creative Retreat at Ashburnham Place. We were joined by photographer, Rachel Kiley, artist, Tamara Jackson and multi-disciplinary artist, Rachel Grimes.

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Turning Point day

Epiphany were privileged to spend a day in Clayton (Bradford) offering Sound Portraits and other improvisations for clients of 'Turning Point' - an organisation who supports adults with learning difficulties

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Worcester Clergy Conference

Epiphany enjoyed playing Sound Portraits and other improvisations for a Worcester Diocesan Clergy Conference at High Leigh Conference Centre in Hertfordshire. The events were very warmly received by all who joined us.

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Epiphany at Ashburnham Place

Epiphany enjoyed returning to Ashburnham Place to work with the international student volunteers and staff based there as well as to play for children from a special needs school, a group visiting from Texas, and for members of the public in the Orangery tea rooms. Click/tap 'Read more' to see photos and a video.

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Epiphany at Ashburnham Place

Epiphany enjoyed spending 2 days at Ashburnham Place playing for various creatives musicians and writers.

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Epiphany in Poole (Dorset)

Epiphany enjoyed working with art students in a secondary school and then putting on other creative events in the community in Poole (Dorset).

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Scaynes Hill (W. Sussex)

Epiphany played Sound Portraits and a short 'The Space' session in Scaynes Hill, W. Sussex.

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'The Space' - a creative retreat

Epiphany enjoyed hosting another 'The Space' creative retreat at Ashburnham Place. This was another stunningly beautiful week as we explored creativity and beauty together. Epiphany's musicians were joined by artist Tamara Jackson and photographer Rachel Kiley.

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Retreat in Hertfordshire

Epiphany enjoyed playing Sound Portraits and a 'The Space' evening event at a retreat at 'All Nations College' in Herefordshire.

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Playing for asylum seekers in Eastbourne

Epiphany were privileged to play Sound Portrait and other improvised events for asylum seekers and refugees who are cared for by the Sanctuary charity in Eastbourne

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Epiphany at Ashburnham Place

Epiphany enjoyed returning to Ashburnham Place to work with the international student volunteers and staff based there as well as to play for local Ukrainian refugees and a disability group..

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Sparks weekend at Ashburnham

Epiphany enjoyed playing Sound Portraits and other improvisations the 'Sparks' weekend at Ashburnham Place in E. Sussex.

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'The Space' creative retreat

Epiphany enjoyed leading a creative retreat at Ashburnham Place joined by photographer, Rachel Kiley, and artist, Tamara Jackson. Click 'read more' to watch a 'Highlights' video of our time together and to view some photos taken by Rachel Kiley.

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Epiphany at Ashburnham

Epiphany enjoyed returning to Ashburnham Place to work with the international student volunteers and staff based there. Highlights included playing for several Ukrainian refugees, playing for visitors to the Orangery tea rooms and putting on a very atmospheric 'The Space' evening event in Ashburnham's beautiful walled kitchen garden.

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Sound Portraits at YWAM Holmsted Manor

Epiphany enjoyed a day playing Sound Portraits for international students based at YWAM Holmsted Manor (W. Sussex)

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Sound Portraits for creative group in Manchester

Epiphany enjoyed playing Sound Portraits for a creative group at St Margaret's Church in Burnage, S. Manchester.

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Sparks conference and playing for refugees

Epiphany enjoyed taking part in a 'Sparks' conference at Ashburnham Place - working with creative thinkers and artists and then had a truly humbling time travelling to Hastings to play for a number of refugees from Ukraine and Syria.

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Epiphany at Ashburnham

Epiphany enjoyed returning to Ashburnham Place to work with the international student volunteers and staff based there. Our week included an experimental 'Space on the Woods' event, as well as playing for guests at the Orangery Tea Rooms at Ashburnham.

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Oxford Diocesan Clergy Conference

Epiphany enjoyed putting on two 'The Space' events and a number of Sound Portraits at the Oxford Diocesan Clergy Conference at the Hayes Conference Centre in Swanwick, Derbys.

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'The Space' in Poynton

Epiphany enjoyed putting on a 'The Space' event on 4th June at Poynton Baptist Church at 7pm. 'The Space' is a unique musical performance, including a mix of classical, Celtic and improvised music. Performed 'in the round', 'The Space' lasts around one hour in length, and provides an opportunity for people to relax and reflect in a beautiful and peaceful environment.

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Epiphany at YWAM Harpenden

Epiphany enjoyed playing 23 Sound Portraits over 2 days for leaders attending at a course based at YWAM Oval in Harpenden

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Improvisation Training Day

On Sat 2nd April 2022, Epiphany led an Improvisation Training Day at St Augustine's Church in Scaynes Hill, W. Sussex.

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The Space - a creative retreat at Ashburnham Place

Epiphany led a creative retreat called 'The Space' at Ashburnham Place in E. Sussex, joined by photographer, Rachel Kiley, and artist, Tamara Jackson.

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Epiphany at Ashburnham

Epiphany had a fruitful 4 days at Ashburnham Place in E. Sussex in February 2022 working with the staff and students there as well as putting on creative events open to the public.

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Scargill House, North Yorkshire

Epiphany enjoyed working alongside creative writer and speaker Michael Mitton at a retreat at Scargill House in N. Yorks, playing Sound Portraits and other improvisations.

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The Space - a Creative retreat at Ashburnham Place

Epiphany members were joined by artist Tamara Jackson and photographer Rachel Kiley, to lead a creative retreat on Nov 9th-12th at Ashburnham Place. We had a wonderful 3 days together and the feedback was so encouraging. Click 'read more' to see some photos taken by Rachel Kiley.

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Improvisation teaching weekend in Hounslow

Epiphany enjoyed leading an improvisation training weekend in Hounslow on the weekend of 3rd-5th September. We were joined by artist Tamara Jackson and had the privilege of working with ethnic musicians from other parts of the world during the weekend.

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Epiphany at Ashburnham

Epiphany enjoyed playing Sound Portraits for individual visitors to Ashburnham over the weekend of 2nd-4th July

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Epiphany at Ashburnham

Epiphany had a wonderful week returning to Ashburnham Place in E. Sussex to work with the staff and young people who live and work there. We were joined by artist, Tamara Jackson.

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Epiphany at Ashburnham

Epiphany had a wonderful week returning to Ashburnham Place in E. Sussex to work with the staff and young people who live and work there. We were joined by artist, Tamara Jackson. Click the 'Read More' button to see a short video and photos.

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Epiphany at Ashburnham

Epiphany spent a week at Ashburnham Place in E. Sussex. Our time together included opportunities to play for the staff and volunteers at Ashburnham. One one afternoon an artist friend, Faith Heath, created a live piece of artwork to one of our improvisations. We were also joined by photographer Rachel Kiley who took some stunning photos during the week. Click to see more.

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Ashburnham, E. Sussex

Epiphany returned to Ashburnham Place in E. Sussex in early March to play Sound Portraits and other improvisations for staff and student volunteers from around the world. We were also joined by visual artist Faith Heath and by photographer Rachel Kiley

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Headteachers conference in Wells

Epiphany enjoyed playing Sound Portraits and other improvisations for a headteachers conference in the stunning setting of Wells Cathedral and Chapter House in Somerset

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Bristol visit

Epiphany, joined by a number of other musicians, enjoyed spending a day in Bristol on 25th January playing Sound Portraits and other improvisations.

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Ashburnham 'Sparks' weekend

Epiphany enjoyed taking part in an annual gathering called 'Sparks' which is designed for creative people who 'think outside the box' at Ashburnham Place in E. Sussex. We offered Sound Portraits and general improvisations throughout the weekend.

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Bristol Sound Portraits

Epiphany enjoyed playing in and around Bristol over 3 days in early January, including in The Galleries shopping centre, in a backpackers hostel and a care home for the elderly - as well as putting on an improvisation training session for musicians.

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Epiphany in Northern Ireland

Epiphany enjoyed visiting Rostrevor in Northern Ireland for a 2nd time in just over a year. We played Sound Portraits, put on a 'Happening' event and also an enthusiastically received 'Celtish' concert

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Playing for Refugees in Eastbourne

Epiphany were privileged to have the opportunity to play Sound Portraits for refugees & asylum seekers in Eastbourne on 22nd and 23rd November. The invitation was from friends working for an organisation called Networx based in Eastbourne. It was also great to work with several artists, including the very talented Faith Heath.

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Ashburnham Nov 2019

Epiphany spent a very enjoyable week based at Ashburnham Place in E. Sussex playing Sound Portraits and teaching, including a event playing for Iranian & Syrian refugees at a café in Hastings.

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Epiphany in Bradford

Epiphany spent a day in Clayton (Bradford) working with a number of people with physical or learning disabilities cared for by a national charity called Turning Point. We offered an creative improvised 'Happening' and also played Sound Portraits for several people.

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Tadley Arts Festival (nr. Basingstoke)

Epiphany enjoyed taking part in a new Arts Festival in Tadley (near Basingstoke) on 19th October. The day was based at St Mary's Church in Tadley and we be played improvised responses to some of the artworks, then played Sound Portraits for several people. Then in the evening we led a creative 'Happening' event.

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Epiphany in Inverness

Epiphany enjoyed taking part in a 'Tabernacle' Arts gathering in Inverness playing many improvisations and Sound Portraits for many who came along to the gathering.

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Epiphany weekend in Thornbury (Gloucs)

Epiphany enjoyed playing Sound Portraits and putting on a 'Happening' in Thornbury (Gloucs) on 4th-6th October

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Weekend in Skipton

Epiphany made a return visit to Skipton on 12th & 13th July 2019. We performed a classical concert on Fri 12th July at Christ Church and then played Sound Portraits in Craven Court shopping arcade for passers by on the morning of Sat 13th July.

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Basingstoke, Hants

Epiphany spent a day in Basingstoke offering Sound Portraits and an evening improvised 'Happening' event - as part of the 2019 Basingstoke Festival 'Art in unusual places'.

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Sound Portraits in Swanwick, Derbys.

Epiphany enjoyed playing Sound Portraits and also a classical concert for a private conference at the Hayes Conference Centre in Swanwick (Derbys) from 24th to 26th June

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West Molesey

Epiphany played Sound Portraits at a 'Westfest' event in West Molesey, Surrey on 22nd June.

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Royal Welsh College of Music

Epiphany had a very fruitful day on 20th June 2019 at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama leading an improvisation workshop and playing Sound Portraits for students there.

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Childswickham, Worcs.

Epiphany enjoyed an inspiring weekend in the beautiful village of Childswickham (in the Cotswolds) on 15th & 16th June 2019 playing Sound Portraits and giving a light classical concert.

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Harpenden Sound Portraits

Epiphany enjoyed playing Sound Portraits for staff and students at YWAM, at the Oval in Harpenden on 12th and 13th June 2019

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Ashburnham and Eastbourne

Epiphany had a wonderful few days playing Sound Portraits and other improvisations at Ashburnham Place in E. Sussex - including an evening event in the Walled Garden at Ashburnham as well as taking teaching sessions for 'Catalyst' students there. We then spent a couple of days in Eastbourne playing on the top of Beachy Head and then putting on a 'Happening' and another event in Eastbourne (both including Sound Portraits) on the Fri eve and Sat morning.

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Education Team away day in Montacute, Somerset

Epiphany played Sound Portraits for an education team away day on Montacute, Somerset

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Sound portraits and Happening in Canford Magna (Dorset)

Epiphany played Sound Portraits and put on a 'Happening' in Canford Magna (Dorset) on 4th & 5th May. We then made a recording with soprano Lesley Thompson on 4th-7th May which will hopefully be released later this year. The venue was the stunningly beautiful Canford Parish Church. Click the 'read more' button to see some photos from our recording.

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Homeless outreach in Brighton

Epiphany enjoyed a wonderful few days in and around Brighton. We played Sound Portraits in a community pub in a council housing estate, for staff and students at YWAM Holmsted Manor and also for some homeless people in the middle of Brighton.

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Headteachers conference

Epiphany played Sound Portraits for a headteachers' conference in East Grinstead, W. Sussex

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Ramsbottom weekend

Epiphany enjoyed playing Sound Portraits and a light classical concert in Ramsbottom on 23rd & 24th March.

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Epiphany in Cornwall

Epiphany had a wonderful time putting on an improvised 'Happening' evening and offering Sound Portraits for over 40 people in Redruth, Cornwall from 26th to 28th January 2019.

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Headteachers' Conferences in Ilminister and Wells (Somerset)

Epiphany enjoyed playing Sound Portraits and other improvisations for 2 headteachers' conferences in Ilminster & Wells (Somerset) on 24th and 25th January

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Ashburnham 'Sparks' weekend

Epiphany played Sound Portraits and other improvisations at a 'Sparks' weekend at Ashburnham Place. This conference was designed for creative thinkers and the 200 or so people who attended were both challenged and encouraged as they shared with one another.

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Vietnam

Epiphany had a wonderful time in Vietnam collaborating with the talented young Vietnamese pianist, Trang Trinh. This visit took years of planning and involved some exciting concerts in Hanoi including a new piece, specially written by composer Peter Richards for Trang and Epiphany featuring Vietnamese folk tunes. We also offered Sound Portraits at several of the events.

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Hong Kong

Around 20 musicians from Epiphany and the Musicians Network visited Hong Kong for the 3rd year in a row working alongside Jackie Pullinger and her team. We were involved in outreach on the streets, in hospices, care homes and prisons as well as working alongside local Hong Kong musicians and offering Sound Portraits.

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Epiphany in Northern Ireland

Epiphany were privileged to visit Northern Ireland for the first time. We were based on the border between the north and the south at YWAM Rostrevor - and played Sound Portraits and other improvisations.

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Conference at Ald Alresford Place (near Winchester)

On 15th September Epiphany played improvisations and Sound Portraits, as well as speaking about their work, at a conference at Old Alresford Place (near Winchester). They were joined by artist Tamara Jackson who responded visually to each Sound Portrait.

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Ashburnham Place improvisations

Epiphany enjoyed offering Sound Portraits and teaching on the creative arts at Ashburnham Place on 9th & 10th July 2018 and also for the Broad Oak Chapel community in Bexhill-on-Sea

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Sound Portraits in Poole and Salisbury

Epiphany enjoyed a wonderful 2 days in Poole and Salisbury playing Sound Portraits for the local community in Poole and for leaders of pioneer movements in Salisbury. We were joined by the very talented artists, Tamara Jackson & Jessica Goodall from YWAM MAKE Arts Collective, who responded to our Sound Portraits for each individual we played for.

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Headteachers conference

Epiphany enjoyed playing Sound Portraits and other improvisations at a headteachers conference at Hothorpe Hall in Lecis.

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Education conference

Epiphany offered Sound Portraits and other improvisations at an education conference at The Hayes Conference Centre, Swanwick, Derbys

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Improvisation workshops at a teachers' conference

Epiphany led improvisation workshops and offered Sound Portraits at a teacher's conference in Birmingham on 1st June.

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Retreat week at Le Pas Opton, France

Epiphany enjoyed leading another 5 day retreat at Le Pas Opton in France - offering Sound Portraits, a concert and brief reflections and improvisations each morning and evening.

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Tideswell Food Festival

Epiphany had a wonderful day, in glorious sunshine, playing Sound Portraits and pop-up mini concerts in Tideswell, Derbyshire as part of the annual Food Festival in the town.

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Oxford Diocesan Clergy Conference

Epiphany enjoyed 3 days playing Sound Portraits for delegates at an Oxford Diocesan Clergy Conference at The Hayes Conference Centre, Swanwick, Derbys

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Sound Portraits and improvisation training at Ashburnham

Epiphany enjoyed leading 3 days of improvisation workshops and Sound Portraits for students, staff and voisitors at Ashburnham Place in E. Sussex

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Skipton concert and Sound Portraits

Epiphany had a wonderful couple of days in Skipton performing a classical concert at Christ Church on the Friday evening and then playing short classical performances and Sound Portraits in Hetties cafe and Craven Court arcade on the Saturday morning.

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Musicians Training day with Sound Portraits and a 'Happening' in Guildford

Epiphany led a training day with other musicians at Milmead Baptist Church in Guildford, including Sound Portraits and an evening Happening. We were privileged to again work alongside visual artist Tamara Jackson.

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Residency at YWAM Holmsted Manor

Epiphany spent several days with artists from YWAM's MAKE team developing new collaborations between art and music - and also offering Sound Portraits

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'Sparks' creative weekend at Ashburnham Place

Epiphany played Sound Portraits and other improvisations at a 'Sparks' creative conference at Ashburnham Place.

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Visit to Hull

Epiphany made a return visit to Hull playing Sound Portraits and other improvisations alongside artist Tamara Jackson. This included 2 sessions in an art exhibition in Princes Quay Shopping Centre in the centre of Hull.

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Sound Portraits at a Leicester Diocesan Conference in Swanwick, Derbys

Epiphany enjoyed offering Sound Portraits and other improvisations at Leicester Diocesan conference at the Hayes Conference Centre in Swanwick, Derbyshire

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Sound Portraits at Betel

In September 2017 Epiphany played Sound Portraits and other improvisations for residents of Betel Manchester - caring for recovering alcoholics and drug addicts

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Community Outreach event in Derby

Epiphany played Sound Portraits at an outreach event in a deprived community in Derby

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Sound Portraits at the Wilmslow Show

Epiphany Played Sound Portraits at the Wilmslow Show on 9th September.

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South of England Show

Epiphany enjoyed playing Sound Portraits for visitors to the South of England Agricultural Show at Ardingly, W. Sussex from 8th to 10th June.

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Sound Portraits in Guildford

On 4th June 2017 Epiphany played Sound Portraits on the High Street in the centre of Guildford, then for an event in the grounds of Guildford Cathedral, where we had the privilege of playing a short Sound Portrait for Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury.

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Retreat week at Le Pas Opton (France)

Epiphany led another a 5 day retreat at Le Pas Opton holiday park on the north-west coast of France. It was a great time unwinding and relaxing in beautiful surroundings with music from Epiphany, including Sound Portraits for guests and staff. We also enjoyed daily reflections from Julie Cameron-Hall and wonderful photography from Nigel Cameron.

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Sound Portraits at the Brighton Festival

Epiphany performed Sound Portraits and other improvisations in conjunction with YWAM (Holmsted Manor) as part of a fringe event for the Brighton Festival between the 5th and 7th May

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Sound Portraits in a Manchester School

Epiphany had an amazing day playing Sound Portraits for the staff of a school for young people who have been excluded from mainstream secondary schools.

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Epiphany in Hong Kong

A team from Epiphany, joined by several other classical musicians, travelled out to Hong Kong in late November to play in several events including Sound Portraits and other improvisations as part of celebrations for 50 years of service in Hong Kong by Jackie Pullinger-To who works with drug addicts, prostitutes, street sleepers etc.

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Fresh Expressions event

Epiphany played Sound Portraits and led a seminar at a 'Fresh Expressions' teaching event in Leicester.

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Sound Portraits in Harpenden

In early March 2016, Epiphany performed Sound Portraits at YWAM Oval in Harpenden - for staff and students, and also for local residents. They also worked alongside a local artist, Rory Browne, in the Chapel at the Oval on the Saturday

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National Portrait Gallery London September 2014

Epiphany appeared at the National Portrait Gallery in London in September 2014

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Manchester Art Gallery Sound Portraits

Epiphany's visit to Manchester Art Gallery in April 2014

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Epiphany at the RHS Flower Show at Hampton Court

Epiphany played Sound Portraits at the Hampton Court Flower Show in 2013 and 2014

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Epiphany at the Ideal Home Show in London 2014

Epiphany appeared at the Ideal Home Show in London for 2½ weeks in March 2014

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Photo Gallery

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