The British Police Symphony Orchestra welcomes the Knife Angel

The Civic Launch of the Knife Angel’s visit to Stoke-on-Trent saw the World Premiere of ‘The Angel’s Message’ an originally composed piece of music from the British Police Symphony Orchestra.

The fanfare is driving and discordant, representing the forces at play in the world of violence and aggression.

• Trumpets and horns are often referred to in the bible and when sounded bring a range of messages such as fear, warnings, but also victory and success.
• In the music, bell notes are heard such as the sounds you would expect from heaven, angels or the church, with messages from God, delivered by angels. 
• The overlapping triplet section demonstrates the many conflicts and confusions we face in our lives as we try to make sense of our world.
• Bells are heard again, as a reminder that we can look upward and make this world a better place.
• The driving rhythm return, but the angel’s messages are clear (bell notes are sounded again) and the discord, reduced.

Cllr Lorraine Beardmore, cabinet member for culture, leisure and public health said:

“We were delighted to welcome the British Police Symphony Orchestra to the civic launch for the arrival of the Knife Angel to Stoke-on-Trent.

“The Angel’s Message, which was produced especially for the Knife Angel was a poignant piece of music ideal to welcome the Angel to the city.”

Uniting the police service and the magic of music to engage, excite and enlighten communities in the UK and beyond, the British Police Symphony Orchestra is unique. All members are either serving or retired police officers, police staff, or other members of the wider police family.

The British Police Symphony Orchestra (BPSO) was founded in October 1989, by former Police Constable Alex Roe, MBE, from West Midlands Police, since when it has become widely recognised as one of the best national non- professional orchestras in the country.

A registered charity itself, the BPSO has helped to raise thousands of pounds for other charities and good causes.  With the exception of the annual Proms Night Spectacular in Symphony Hall Birmingham, the orchestra always appears in support of another organisation, either to help raise funds or awareness.  In these cases, the orchestra seeks only to cover its costs and all surplus revenue and donations benefit the charities concerned. 

The British Police Symphony Orchestra has been awarded, The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service (QAVS), often referred to as the equivalent of an MBE for volunteer groups. The award is in recognition of excellence in voluntary activities carried out by groups in the community and it represents a tremendous achievement for the BPSO.  All members of the orchestra travel and perform in their own time and at their own expense.

The Knife Angel will be based at the Smithfield site in the City Centre until the end of April, with various community engagements planned throughout the month.

To find out more about the visit of the Knife Angel to Stoke-on-Trent, please go to www.visitstoke.co.uk/knifeangel