The Choir with No Name Brighton, a choir for people who have experienced homelessness and marginalisation, returned to the Brighton Dome last night for their annual Big Christmas Singalong. The event has become a staple in many local people’s Christmas celebrations as it never fails to uplift and spread festive cheer.
This year, the Choir was joined by special guests, Rosie Bergonzi, members of the London Philharmonic Orchestra’s Foyle’s Future First programme and pianist Jon Byrne.
Accomplished percussionist Rosie opened the show with beautiful renditions of Christmas songs performed on the handpan and even improvised some music about Christmas dinner! Jon played gorgeous renditions of classical pieces before accompanying the Choir for Joni Mitchell’s ‘River’. The wonderful guests from the London Philharmonic Orchestra played alongside the Choir for many songs including Wham’s ‘Last Christmas’ and The Pogues’ ‘Fairtytale of New York’.
Of course, the Choir itself was the main event, and they put on an excellent performance as headliners. The audience was treated to Christmas classics like Shakin’ Stevens’ ‘Merry Christmas Everyone’ as well as more unusual festive choices such as ‘Carol of St Benjamin the Bearded One’ by Sufjan Stevens.
Many members of the Choir performed fantastic solos, exuding confidence and passion. Lots of members also chose to speak, sharing their love for the Choir and how music brings them together. One member also shared a moving poem called ‘To Love’, before the whole Choir sang ‘The Power of Love’ by Jennifer Rush. It was a particularly powerful moment.
Before the show and during the interval, staff from BHT Sussex sold raffle tickets where attendees won fantastic prizes such as vouchers from Community Kitchen, Real Patisserie and Fatto a Manno. Well done to the winners and thank you to the local businesses who donated prizes.
After the show finished, patrons kindly donated change into collection buckets and our total raised for the Choir is currently at £1,841, with more money still to be counted.
You can read more about the Choir with No Name Brighton on our website.
