SAVE OUR CHOIRS!

We need to speak out and strongly support our cause if we are to get back to singing as we knew it and loved it.... The Guardian has published a letter from Bob Chilcott, John Rutter, Harry Christophers and other leading lights of singing:-  here is a quote from the letter:

"We need the government to show how we can restart singing together on an equal footing with opening theme parks, shopping and kicking a football around. It is imperative that we find a way for choirs in this country to resume as soon and as safely as we can.

Singing in a choir is not only about communality, social cohesion and harmony; for many it is an essential source of emotional wellbeing and positive mental health. Moreover it is a powerful expression of our culture and humanity, and it cannot be allowed to fade away."

Those responsible for managing churches, village halls and similar spaces are unlikely to act without government approval / guidance so  it's up to all of us to speak out for our singing! Our own leading light Musical Director has set the ball rolling by writing to his MP John Penrose. Let's all tell our MPs how we feel about this and get choral singing firmly on their agenda!

Please share and encourage all the singers you know to get involved.

Email sent to John Penrose MP for Weston-super-Mare:

Hello John
I don’t know whether you read the article in The Guardian today about the plight of British Choirs during the pandemic?
I am the Musical Director of Weston Choral which has been established in our town for over 150 years.
We are currently trying to make plans for our forthcoming season commencing in September where we will start rehearsing music for our Christmas concerts.
Could I ask that you raise with the Culture Secretary / Prime Minister the need for us to have some guidance and possible timetable ( depending on the progress of improvement in the containment of the virus) as to how we might need to plan to rehearse safely at the beginning of September? I understand that over 2 million people in the UK belong to choirs and it would be a huge boost if we could have some reassurance. We would then be delighted to share our music with our communities which, by Christmas, will be sorely in need of uplift  gained from listening to live music.
I look forward to your comments
Yours sincerely
--

Link to Guardian letter:
https://amp.theguardian.com/music/2020/jun/16/covid-19-has-silenced-choirs