People’s Orchestra and Show Choirs revel in performing on same stage as world’s best music stars
“That was a real bucket list moment for me,” gushes excited People’s Show Choir singer Tania Hale. “It’s such an iconic venue and we performed there. To think, some of the world’s best have performed on that stage too.”
Tania’s referring to famed Birmingham Symphony Hall – one of the world’s most acclaimed concert stages, revered for its acoustics and graced by leading music artists from Bruce Springsteen to Liza Minnelli and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra.
Yet, over 500 members of The People’s Orchestra(TPO) and People’s Show Choirs(TPSC) got the chance to experience performing on it for themselves, following in the footsteps of musical giants.
Hundreds travelled from near and far to Birmingham for the Back to the Movies mass concert on Mother’s Day 2025, Sunday March 30. There, in front of family, friends and music lovers, they brought alive some of the most famous film soundtracks from Back to the Future to Guys and Dolls in a gig that coincided with the charity’s 13th anniversary.
Mum Tania Hale is part of the People’s Show Choir family on two fronts – singing in Choir Brigade and the West Bromwich People’s Show Choirs. She said how the concert gave her a Mother’s Day to remember.
“The concert was even more special for me as I got to spend Mother’s Day performing alongside my daughter, Chloe Hale, who is also in the West Bromwich Show Choir,” explained Tania.
“Not only did I get to be with her, but also doing something we both love. It was good to share that fabulous experience, I didn’t need any other present.”
West Midlands Fire Service recruitment advisor Tania added: “When it comes to the Choir Brigade, we are a small group, so to come together with other choirs and be part of something bigger and perform somewhere as large as Symphony Hall is amazing.
“It’s not something to be sniffed at. It feels phenomenal to be able to say that we performed in such a prestigious venue.”
It wasn’t just music that the audience got to hear at the extraordinary event either. Chris Weber, TPO community engagement manager and a People’s Show Choir conductor, took time during the Birmingham concert to explain to the audience what charity work TPO does and how money raised helps so many other people. You can read more about TPO’s breadth of community work here.
“So many people sing and play that have no idea about the amazing charitable work that their membership enables so it was good to be able to highlight that,” explained Chris.
“The concert at Symphony Hall was simply incredible,” he added. “The whole day was brilliant from start to finish. The musicianship and sheer size of the sound was breathtaking.
“There is something uniquely bonding about everyone gathering early in the morning to spend half a day rehearsing together before experiencing how their small choir can end up as one vast and rich sound with others.
“The camaraderie of the day is unique with people creating new friendships and sharing bits of themselves with each other. It’s always so wonderful to see and this event was no different.”
Alongside amateur musicians in The People’s Orchestra were singers from People’s Show Choir groups in Bearwood, Scotland’s Black Isle, Brackley, Cheltenham, Choir Brigade, Coventry, Dorridge, Halesowen, Leamington Spa, Malvern, Newport, Shrewsbury, South Birmingham, Sutton Coldfield, West Bromwich, Weston-super-Mare, Wimbledon, Woodford Green, Wolverhampton and York.
John Murray, took part as a singer with Sutton Coldfield People’s Show Choir in front of his loved ones and said: “Sunday’s concert was a wonderful experience. Walking into Symphony Hall is always a special experience and I could feel the excitement among the choir.
“The concert itself was a real thrill. Looking out at the audience and hearing their applause was confirmation that all the hard work everyone put in for the show had been worth it.
“Even now, a couple of days later, I am still on a high and very much looking forward to the next concert.
“The acoustics in Symphony Hall are fantastic and it was beautiful to be able to hear all three vocal parts of the songs together with the orchestra as we performed. It was such an uplifting and moving experience.”
John had nothing but praise for The People’s Show Choir and Orchestra staff and volunteers over their organisational skills. “Everyone was very well looked after and received clear instructions on the day’s agenda,” added John. “This is particularly helpful for people performing for the first time where nerves can play a big part.
“The morning rehearsal was fun and helped to put everyone at ease. I was sat with my fellow Sutton Coldfield Baritones, but I also had the chance to chat and make new friends with members from other choirs.”
Gail Daffurn echoed those views, saying: “Great day and such a friendly gathering of minds and voices. It was a feat of organisation. Such an uplifting day.”
Katherine Jones agreed and added: “I feel so privileged to have been part of this extravaganza. It was an amazing opportunity.”
Carol Witt was left with long-lasting effects from the concert. “I’d absolutely do it again,” said Carol. “It was such a privilege to experience singing at Birmingham Symphony Hall. I’m still smiling a week on. The People’s Show Choir is such an amazing choir to be part of.”
Philip Field, a member of three People’s Show Choirs in Halesowen, Wolverhampton and West Bromwich, had words that rang out for anyone considering joining a community group. “It was an absolutely fantastic day from beginning to end,” said Philip. “I love being part of this amazing family of singers and musicians.”
If you are interested in joining the community orchestra, see The People’s Orchestra information here or for singers, find your nearest People’s Show Choir here.
