My Bristol Favourites: Daphna Sadeh-Neu

Daphna Sadeh-Neu is a composer, double bass player and educator.

Her recent cross-genre project, Forgotten Songs and Stories, will be performed at the Bristol Beacon on January 31 in a new collaboration with Bristol Ensemble Strings and three spoken words storytellers

Featuring original compositions and arrangements by Daphna, the performance builds a picture of the global and local experiences of women that shape Bristol and the UK.

These are Daphna’s top-five Bristol favourites:

Bristol Beacon

Fantasy Orchestra performing in the Lantern Hall at the Bristol Beacon’s recent Housewarming event – photo: Bristol Beacon

“I am very excited to perform as part of the reopening programme of this refurbished stunning venue in the heart of Bristol. The venue has a very interesting history as not only a classical music and theatre venue, but it has also hosted many rock stars like David Bowie, Queen and Pink Floyd – as well as wrestling matches in its past! I think that the idea behind the new name Bristol Beacon, as a symbol of hope and community, is powerful and inclusive. We feel fortunate that we can present the Forgotten Songs and Stories show in the gorgeous setting of the Lantern Hall.”

Easton Community Centre

Easton Community Centre is a busy hub in the heart of Easton – photo: Barbara Evripidou

“Easton Community Centre is a great hub for people from various communities, and also has a lovely cafe. I love the ethos here of providing a welcoming, safe and accessible place that connects people across diverse backgrounds. I think this is why it is such a valuable place to many. The centre also has a very women-friendly ethos, so it was the perfect location for our project to hold its initial workshops with women there.”

Westbury Wildlife Park

In 2022, a circular walk around the woodlands, an activity hub, cafe, wellbeing studio and an outdoor kitchen were opened at Westbury Wildlife Park – photo: Westbury Wildlife Park

“This is an oasis in north Bristol between Westbury-on-Trym and Henleaze. I’m very connected to nature, which is a source of inspiration for my creativity and wellbeing. I love walking and find it therapeutic to be near trees, so I try to visit Westbury Wildlife Park as often as I can. It is amazing that the community have managed to reopen it after its nearly 30 years of closure. It is a picturesque gem quite hidden away in the suburbs, so many are happy that it’s been brought back to life.

The Garden of Easton

The Garden of Easton promises a “plant-filled, rustic destination for artful meals & drinks celebrating locally sourced ingredients” – photo: The Garden of Easton

“This is my favourite place to meet and eat just at the centre of Easton that feels like Garden of Eden! The Garden of Easton appeals to me because it is so green while located in such central and urban neighbourhood. I love its ambience. It is filled with plants that give the space an intimate vibe, and they use locally sourced and seasonal ingredients for their menu.”

Factory Studios

“As a musician I rehearse in the fabulous Factory Studios rehearsal space in Barton Hill, which has a state of the art experience when you’re playing there. The staff are super friendly and helpful, and it’s become a great hub for local bands and artists to rehearse, record and film. They also support grassroots artists with a mentorship scheme that supports their steps into the industry.”

Main photo: Claire Borley

Read next:

• Westbury Wildlife Park to reopen after decades-long closure
• Things you probably didn’t know about Bristol Beacon
• A look at the new, improved and all-inclusive Factory Studios

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