On the cold, blustery and wet afternoon of Sunday the 15th of February, 850 singers and 150+ supporters gathered at The Royal Concert Hall Nottingham (TRCH) for our sixth Come and Sing with the celebrated composer and conductor, Sir John Rutter.
Come and Sing is an afternoon workshop of choral singing to lift the spirits, something much needed at this time of year. As people collected their music scores it quickly became evident we had again attracted international interest, with people from the US, Canada, Portugal and Germany, to name just those we know of.
Three women in one of the American groups had flown over exclusively for this and were due to fly home the following day – that’s dedication for you.
As the minutes ticked away towards the start, the atmosphere before the auditorium doors opened was one of eager anticipation
.
As ever, Sir John came on stage to rapturous applause. Ably accompanied by Neil Taylor on piano, Sir John led the singers through a selection of his own and other choral works. With his easy style and warmth he soon had the audience relaxed and in full voice.
Before the second half began, Halima, a Forum staff member, spoke with humility and affection of how Nottingham Refugee Forum had helped her and her family when they arrived in the UK. Now, alongside her Forum work, she has started her own baking business while her husband is back in his own profession working with a local firm of solicitors.
At the afternoon’s end, the view of the singers from the stage as we said our thank yous to Sir John and Neil was a mass of beaming, happy faces with loud and prolonged applause – they do love Sir John so. It was clear that a wonderful time was had by all. We certainly did.
Our thank yous to; Sir John Rutter, Neil Taylor, all TRCH staff, particularly George Matthews (Music Coordinator) for his help, Halima, to all our lovely volunteers on the day – many of whom help us every year and without whom we wouldn’t be able to put on this fabulous event and finally, the singers and supporters – you were brilliant. Thank you one and all.
Following the event we had this message from one of the singers,
“…we thoroughly enjoyed the day with Sir John. He’s such an inspiration and so full of energy”
And from Neil Taylor,
“a really great and memorable day all round I felt. A pleasure and privilege to be there.”
We all felt the same.
The Come and Sing organisers; Margaret Levin, Hilary Hare Duke, Jane Henson, Dave Hewitt.