Breathe Music

Breathe Music brings first-class classical music to rural communities in Somerset.

Founded in 2021 by violinist and educator Joanne Green and software engineer Michael James, Breathe Music was born from a shared belief: that everyone, regardless of geography, should have the chance to experience live classical music of the highest quality.

Joanne brings decades of experience as a performer and music educator, while Michael’s background as a Chartered Engineer in software, IT, and cyber security helps underpin the organisation’s infrastructure and digital systems. Their combined skills have shaped Breathe Music into a resilient, independent, and community-driven organisation.

We stage concerts in local parish churches, often in collaboration with the church’s Parochial Church Council (PCC). These beautiful, underused spaces become concert halls for the evening, welcoming world-class musicians into the heart of the community. Our model also allows the churches to share in the event's profits, helping to support their ongoing maintenance and outreach work.

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What we offer:

• Public concerts with exceptional musicians in intimate, welcoming rural venues

• Free daytime performances and workshops for local primary schools, introducing children to live classical music—often for the very first time

• Creative, curated programmes that mix familiar repertoire with fresh ideas, storytelling, and a personal touch

• Community collaboration, ensuring our events reflect and respond to the place and people hosting them

Why it matters:

In the past 12 months, Breathe Music has introduced over 1,000 children to live classical music, often sparking new interest in learning an instrument. Our evening concerts have brought acclaimed ensembles into communities where access to professional performance is rare—and always with a warm, inclusive welcome.

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Our approach:

We are small, independent, and artist-led. We don't rely on external funding; instead, we build strong relationships with local communities, musicians, and audiences. This allows us to be agile, thoughtful, and deeply rooted in the places we serve.

Whether it’s a candlelit Mozart sextet in a village church or a free school concert that inspires the next generation, Breathe Music is about making meaningful musical moments—where they’re least expected and most needed.