IT'S not every day that your neighbour performs an impromptu street concert featuring Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody on his accordion - but these are strange times.
And not everyone has one of the city's leading musical directors and composers as a neighbour.
Matt Baker, musical director for the vivacious all women’s choir, A Handbag of Harmonies, the new LGBT choir for Chester, Proud Marys, and Director of Music for the University of Chester Choir, took to his doorstep to entertain residents.
It started as a game of 'name that tune' between three neighbours but soon lifted the spirits of the whole street and beyond.
The Garden Quarter was filled with Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody - but with Matt's accordion standing in for Brian May's electric guitar.
He said: "We're no strangers to community get-togethers in the Garden Quarter with lots of street parties and community events, so this felt like the natural thing to do with everyone outside their front doors or at their windows.
"It was very sunny and it was just a spontaneous 'name that tune' between three neighbours. But when people from the end of the street and even over the other side of the canal started shouting out the answers, I felt I needed to be just a little bit louder.
Matt's rendition was well-received with people praising the community spirit in these difficult times, echoing similar musical expressions during the coronavirus lockdown in Italy and New York.
Matt Baker
On social media. Izzy Grey said: "Matt pls could you give us a concert? I would definitely donate to your choice of charity to have more of your street concert! Absolutely fantastic!"
Celeste Canty said: "You are so fantastic Matt!"
Chloe Rose Millington said: "I love this, just wanted to start singing with you."
Emily Ghazarian said: "Endless joy!!!! Love this so much and love you and your beautiful spirit Matt Baker."
Tessa Dawkins said: "This is amazing! What a awful time we are all going through but also how great is it the neighbours are getting to know each other! Love this!"
Nicola Moss said: "Amazing - fabulous community spirit."
Matt is no stranger to gifting music to the community and, in November, he received an honorary degree of Master of Music (MMus) from the University of Chester in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the arts.
As artistic director for the city’s Theatre in the Quarter, a Chester-based professional theatre company which has created exciting theatre with music involving people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds, he has taken the arts to a range of settings, from palaces to railway stations, regional theatres to village halls.
On receiving the degree in 2019, Matt said: “I have dedicated most years of my life engaging many different communities in developing the profile of arts in this city. Growing up here, I am proud to call Chester my one true home. I feel so honoured to have been awarded this Honorary Master’s Degree in Music by the University of Chester in recognition of the work I have carried out over the years."
All Matt asks is that people don't travel to the Garden Quarter on the next sunny day for a concert as this would conflict with the current social distancing advice.
Queen seems a popular choice for entertainers in lockdown - last week Robert Foulkes shared his version of the supergroup's iconic I Want to Break Free video.
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