Singing and Festivities

The Mixed Up Chorus Rehearse

What better way to cope with the long dark evenings, the damp and the cold than to sing? Two new choirs have sprung to life in recent weeks. The Contextual Theology Centre's own Tom Daggett has been working with Revd Niall Weir at St Paul's West Hackney. In just a few weeks the Cantignorus Chorus has formed, learnt a specially composed song, and made a recording at Angel studios. Due for release in a couple of weeks 'Holding Out a Helping Hand to You' hopes to challenge for the Christmas No 1 slot. What is really special about the choir is that it brings together people form diverse groups, many of whom are vulnerable or excluded. The enterprise is part of the wider SingSpire Community music project which aims to use music as a way of helping people value themselves and build up the wider community  across some of the barriers that often divide. Read Tom's recent blog post  for more details.
Meanwhile, the Three Faiths Forum has launched Mixed Up Chorus. Directed by Jeremy Haneman who also directs the Royal opera House Community Chorus. Mixed Up Chorus is not for the confused but for those who rejoice in the diversity of our great world city. Whilst Cantignorus Chorus is special to West Hackney, Mixed Up Chorus is looking for more members from all over London so if you are free on Tuesdays between 7 and 9 pm get in touch. The choir rehearses at Three Faiths Forum HQ and is part of their Urban Dialogues programme using the arts to connect people.

A third multi faith choir, Berakah,  has it's inaugural concert on 17th December at the London Inter Faith Centre (which has it's own annual music festival of the faiths) details here

As the noise of the Diwali Fireworks fade, Happy Hanukkah to Jewish friends and a Happy New Year to Christians this coming Sunday 1st December