Music for Everyone often goes out into the community and schools to widen participation in music. In partnership with the Theatre Royal and Concert Hall, a new venture, the Workers’ Lunchtime Choir was advertised: a few rehearsals on Tuesdays from 12.30-1.15pm, and a concert.
Before the first rehearsal, Alex, MfE’s Assistant Artistic Director, waited a little anxiously. Would anyone come? Does anyone still have a lunch break? But in they came, all 55 of them.
Some singers have long enough breaks; others add extra minutes through flexitime. Rehearsals begin with warm up exercises to shake off the morning spent at the desk, shop floor, etc and relax into some singing fun.
Yesterday, the choir rehearsed a variety of pieces, from Gaudete, Christus Natus Est (Remember Steeleye Span?) to Ding Dong Merrily on High and a Gary Barlow number. Their first performance (what an achievement!) will be next Wednesday, 16th December, at 6.45pm in the upstairs foyer of the Royal Concert Hall, before the Halle Orchestra concert.
For more photos, see the Music for Everyone Facebook page. Keep an eye on the Creative Learning tab of the TRCH website for Workers’ Lunchtime Choir dates in 2016. Have a break, have a sing!