Camaraderie and ‘finest choral trainer in country’ praise for TPO and Show Choir mass Birmingham concert
Praise for how The People’s Orchestra(TPO) brings people together and offers access to musical talent has followed one of its latest mass concerts.
Orchestra members joined People’s Show Choir singers for a joint Radio Times concert in historic Birmingham Town in December. A packed audience enjoyed TV and movie favourites including the soundtrack to Home Alone and music from Wallace and Gromit.
The feel-good festive event was aptly in the same renowned venue where Charles Dickens famously gave his first public reading of A Christmas Carol.
Amid the jovial atmosphere of good will, not only did musicians and singers receive acknowledgement from the audience for their efforts, but so did TPO’s hard-working backstage crew. They were thanked publicly for their hard work in a show of appreciation by members and their families.
Among those performing at the Birmingham concert was viola player Annie Routley, who is a founder member of TPO. She joined when the community orchestra first started in 2012 and described why she loves the mass concerts so much.
“It was good to be back at Birmingham Town Hall,” said Annie. “I have sung and played there since the early 1980s in various events.
“What I like it there is always good camaraderie between the orchestra members – not just within sections, but with everyone. Plus, it’s always really good to accompany the People’s Show Choirs.
“On top of that, it is always a highlight to be directed by Ula Weber, who is probably the finest choral trainer in the country”
Annie, aged 67, enjoys playing in the community orchestra when not at work, although her day job is with Christian Music Ministries and also heavily revolves around music.
Her responsibilities at work range from typesetting and editing musicals to orchestrating and arranging for instruments and voices, making studio recordings, helping lead residential music weeks and conducting choirs.
“Being in TPO has greatly enriched my life,” explained Annie. “I was attracted to TPO because of the repertoire – I had always wanted to play the Star Wars theme.
“I love the repertoire that’s mostly exciting film scores.
“Then there’s the camaraderie, the very varied gigs of big concerts, flashmobs or as a cinema surprise pop-up orchestra for The Hobbit. Even Comic Con and much more.”
The next TPO and Show Choir mass concert will again be in Birmingham at Symphony Hall on March 30 for a Mother’s Day charity event.
The People’s Orchestra and Show Choirs are always looking for new members. If you would like to get involved, see more about joining the orchestra here and the People’s Show Choir here.
