Two choirs, one voice! Wigan singers team up with their Bolton neighbours for a special concert
Wigan Community Choir is joining forces with singers from over the border for a concert later this month.
Local members are delighted to that Tonge with the Haulgh Community Choir has accepted an invitation to sing with them on April 29 at St Michael’s Church, Duke Street, Swinley, at 7.30pm.
Both choirs are firmly rooted in their local areas and are coming together in a celebration of the joy of community singing; which is known to be of great value to the well-being of those who sing, as well as the audiences who support them.
They are supported by their local council music services which are renowned for lending expertise and opportunities for local people to get involved in music.
The long established groups have varied repertoires including classical, gospel, jazz, pop and rock, songs from the shows and folk.
Both have open-door policies for all who wish to sing.
The choice of songs from both choirs includes uplifting numbers like Music Maker, Dreamers of Dreams and Rejoice! Rejoice!
Together they will perform Harbour: a song that celebrates the feeling of family, safety and home, much the same as it feels like to sing in a choir too.
Organisers say it is an uplifting programme of music that will be a tonic for choirs and audience members alike.
The proceeds of the concert go the national choral charity Sing for Pleasure which offers bursaries to people who would like to learn and develop their conducting skills enabling them to lead singing in schools, health care settings and community settings.
Both choir conductors, Imelda Shirley and Jane Hampson, have been associated with their organisations for more than 40 years.
Imelda, who directs the Wigan choir, said: “Jane and I are keen to support and encourage people to bring the joy of singing to their communities, just as we have benefited from this training in the past.
"Both choirs are planning a second concert in the Bolton area in the near future.
"Do come along and discover the joy of singing for yourself!”
Tickets are £10 for adults, £5 for children and available on the door of from choir members.
Refreshments will be available as well as the usual very popular raffle.