Tears of joy at uplifting concert bringing community together

The latest ‘incredible’ concert by The People’s Orchestra and Show Choir brought tears of emotion to those watching. Bringing together a community of friendship and music, over 600 singers and 50 musicians spanning the Midlands, Scotland, Wales, London and Yorkshire took part in spectacular Jukebox Live on Sunday July 19.

Birmingham and the Black Country-based The People’s Orchestra (TPO) filled Symphony Hall’s tiered auditorium with uplifting sounds. They were joined by members from The People’s Show Choir (TPSC) from the West Midlands, Black Isle in the Scottish Highlands, Cardiff, Newport, York, Wimbledon and Woodford Green.

Choirs and musicians travelled from across the UK for the mass concert at the Birmingham venue, famed for having amongst the best acoustics in the world. Instead of famous musicians and pop stars experiencing the famous stage, it was amateurs being given special memories by the TPO and TPSC.

Jukebox Live was a unique concert devised by Orchestra Manager Amy Marshall as audience members got to choose what was played by voting for songs when buying a ticket. They opted for a range of many iconic pop hits and songs from musicals for orchestra conductor Saphran Ali to lead.

‘Love Shine A Light’ – a magical spectacle from the audience at Symphony Hall

Ula Weber, Choir Leader for Black Isle TPSC who also conducted choirs at the concert, described it as “one hell of a gig” and revealed her favourite moments: “Seeing so many phone torches waving in Baz Chapman’s arrangement of Love Shine a Light and then dancing on the podium along with the audience to Dancing Queen will be lifelong memories [for me].

“Thanks to all the choirs, the wonderful TPO, the whole crew and the audience, who made the whole concert into a big party. A big well done to our small but mighty possé from TPSC Black Isle.”

Rosie Thomas, aged 24, works for TPO doing admin and providing support to new orchestra members. She plays in the orchestra’s second violins section but also helped with registration and setting up on the day around performing at the concert.

“I’ve been in the orchestra for four years and Birmingham’s Symphony Hall always feels good to perform in as it is so big and grand,” gushed Rosie.

“There were a lot of people in the audience, who were really enthusiastic with their response to the music, which was good to hear.

Rosie Thomas (24) plays in the orchestra’s ‘2nd violins’ section but also helped with registration and setting up on the day of the concert.

“I like being part of The People’s Orchestra because it is trying to uplift people. It makes opportunities, like performing music at grand venues like this, more accessible to every day, average people.

“Not everyone can afford to spend money on musical training, but at TPO, people have the chance to learn more in rehearsals and to perform in somewhere as special as Symphony Hall. We can feel like a professional musician for a day and the star of the show.

“For me, it felt so good to create something together and that’s what music is all about. It should be about the people.

“I feel like we don’t have ‘community’ the way we used to in this country, but being involved with TPO and TPSC, I can see how it is creating communities and I want to be part of something that helps rebuild our community and makes things better.”

Jamie Parker, TPO’s Digital Communications Coordinator, helped behind the scenes describing the orchestra as “playing the best they’ve ever played”.

He added that along with the joy of hearing the choirs and orchestra perform together, there were also several individual moments. First trumpeter Nick Poole performed the lead melody of S Club 7’s track Reach, which ended up being a “crowd-pleaser” with members of the choir and audience waving their hands in the air and singing along.

There were also solo performances by Jade McLennan, singing I Dreamed A Dream from Les Miserables (which brought tears to the eyes of some choir members watching on in the wings) and Julie Winch in a stunning mermaid dress belting out Whitney Houston’s I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me) and Adele’s Rolling In The Deep.

(Left-Right) Soloists  Jade McLennan, Julie Winch

“The music and singing sounded incredible,” said Jamie. “There are new players in the orchestra too and it was their first time to experience our mass concert inside Symphony Hall, which is something really special in a wonderful venue.”

There was a joyful reaction from performers including Julie Connor who described the concert as “our best yet”. Amanda Murphy also felt the emotion of the concert saying: “Love Shine a Light had me in tears, easily the best we’ve ever sung it!”

Terry Street was also in tears. “It was a totally fantastic day,” explained Terry. “I loved meeting lots of friends from past choirs and events as well as making new friends from other choirs. Makes me quite emotional, literally tears down cheeks.

“Thanks to Ula and Saphran for their vision and commitment to the event, and all the dozen or more choir leaders who taught us our parts in so many many songs, including those not chosen by the audience.”

Many members also thanked the support staff including Claire, who helped audience members and those in wheelchairs to their seats.

“Another wonderful day,” added Barry Oldershaw. “Such a beautiful experience, honour and pleasure with amazing people and friends making the best memories.”

Paul Groves added: “Another night of making memories with my choir family. Thanks to all involved in making these events such a success. Onwards and upwards now for the Christmas concert and next year’s cruise.”

Money raised from the concert will go towards The People’s Orchestra Charity, which supports the most in need in local communities. That includes schemes to help get job-seekers back into work including young people not in education employment or training (Neets), training them up with skills to be more employable and have a brighter future.

If you would like to get involved in The People’s Orchestra or The People’s Show Choir, find out more at our website here. Rehearsals are relaxed and fun with no auditions or pressure with an emphasis on enjoyment and take places in cities across England, Scotland and Wales.

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