When Dilys Garrod went carol singing at the Highbury Pub with a group from Christ Church, she spotted an opportunity to use music to help build community there.

“I thought that the function room was delightful,” says Dilys, “a nice size for musical events with an intimate atmosphere. I knew that manager Frank wanted to establish the pub as a community venue, and when I spoke to him and Collette about my ideas they were very encouraging and helpful.”

Dilys used the resources of her Professional Music Events agency to arrange three concerts at the Highbury providing very different musical experiences: percussion, jazz and flamenco. She chose the title Music Unwrapped, with the aim that the performers would interact with the audience and explain the ideas behind the music.

The first guests were the Cymbiotic percussion duo. This event, on Friday 11 April, was held in aid of St Mary’s Hospice and raised £258. Cymbiotic led a youth workshop and gave an exhilarating concert in Christ Church 18 months ago.

This was followed by the Tom Lindsay jazz quartet in May and an energetic performance of flamenco by Ana Garcia and friends in July.

The Music Unwrapped series continues in autumn 2014. You can find out more, and book tickets, via the Professional Music Events website.

Right: Dilys Garrod, organiser of the Music Unwrapped concerts