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

The Space - a creative retreat

Epiphany will be leading another 'The Space' Creative Retreat on 27th-31st Jan. We will be at the beautiful Scargill House in North Yorkshire and we'll be joined by artist, Tamara Jackson. Click below for more details

More info
Epiphany Event

Improvisation workshop for classical musicians

Epiphany will be leading an improvisation workshop for classical musicians at HTB Queen's Gate church in London. More information will appear here nearer the time.

Epiphany Event

Lindisfarne - Holy Island

A small group from Epiphany will be visiting Lindisfarne (Holy Island) in Northumberland to mark St Cuthbert's Day. We will be playing Sound Portraits during the day and Celtish will be giving a concert in the evening.


Some of our previous projects


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Working with asylum seekers

Epiphany were privileged to play for asylum seekers in Hastings, as well as playing for visitors to the 'Orangery' tearooms at Ashburnham Place and working with some of the volunteers and staff at Ashburnham Place. We loved being joined by Hannah Gerrard - a professional classically trained dancer.

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Bradford - adults with learning difficulties

Epiphany were privileged and humbled to work with Turning Point - an organisation who care for adults with learning difficulties. We were joined by artist, Tamara Jackson, who responded with improvised art creations to our improvisations and Sound Portraits.

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Epiphany in Somerset

Epiphany enjoyed playing Sound Portraits and putting on a 'The Space' event, in Shepton Mallett and Chesterblade Hills in Somerset.

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Poynton Arts Festival

Epiphany enjoyed putting on an evening of improvised music, Sound Portraits and art - with two local Poynton Artists.

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Playing for Ukrainian refugees

Epiphany visited a Ukrainian Refugee Hub in Bexhill-on-Sea on 12th June as well as playing Sound Portraits for visitors to the Orangery at Ashburnham Place on 11th June and also a 'Happening' event on 13th June.

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Macclesfield school project

Epiphany were privileged and humbled to be able to play Sound Portraits for the teaching staff and a mini concert for the pupils of a school situated on the Moss Estate - a deprived area of Macclesfield.

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Arts conference in Birmingham

Epiphany played several Sound Portraits and other improvisations for recovering alcoholics and drug addicts at an arts conference in Birmingham on 18th May.

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Epiphany in Hertfordshire

Epiphany played Sound Portraits and a 'The Space' evening for a private event in Hertfordshire.

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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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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 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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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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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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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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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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