‘Uplifting’ concert in famous music hall for People’s Orchestra and Show Choir members

Chandeliers and oil paintings surround performers as their music fills one of the most historic venues in the UK. When The People’s Orchestra(TPO) and People’s Show Choirs came together for The Something Magical concert in London, it was extra special on many levels, not least for the location.

For the music lovers – most of them amateur and many performing on a grand scale for the first time – were on the stage at the famous Duke’s Hall in the London’s Royal Academy of Music.

If members weren’t daunted before, then looking out at a packed auditorium in the elegant 319-seater concert hall in December didn’t make them any less nervous. But it also felt to many like the TPO and Show Choir were giving them a unique opportunity of a lifetime.

“There’s not many music groups that can say their first proper concert was in the Royal Academy of Music”, noted concert conductor Elliot Mercer, who is also The People’s Show Choir leader for Wimbledon.

“Most of my Show Choir were incredibly nervous but afterwards, they were signing up straight away to do the next big concert at Birmingham Symphony Hall in March,” added Elliot. “They said it gave them such a rush.

“More than that, they felt they were part of something bigger coming together with other Show Choir and TPO members. They told me how lovely it was to meet like-minded people from other parts of the country and chat about their lives and the music.

“Duke’s Hall was a really special event and that sense of togetherness across TPO – the feeling of being part of something bigger – is what sets us apart.”

Dating back to 1822, The Royal Academy of Music is described as “one of the oldest music schools in the UK”. It moved to its current site in Marylebone in 1911 where Duke’s Hall is its renowned flagship concert venue.

Among those performing popular film themes and festive favourites for the People’s Show Choir at the esteemed hall was Fiona Cross-Chowdhury. The memorable experience has left its mark on her.

“Performing at Duke’s Hall was a fabulous experience, it made me love being a member of this choir even more,” said Fiona. “This was by far the most professional place I have ever performed!

“I love the experience of singing with so many people, but I particularly enjoyed singing with a full orchestra. I couldn’t stop talking about it after the show, it really uplifted me.

“I am really hoping we do it again next year as I want my family to all be there this time.”

Robin Couwenberg is a flutist who has been a member of The People’s Orchestra for around eight months. It gives him an outlet from his day job as an audio programmer.

“As a hobby flutist I was looking for something where I could play in-person with other people,” explained Robin. “I do a lot of online music making and recordings, but nothing beats playing together in a concert.

“Performing at Duke’s Hall was something akin to magical. The concert itself was my highlight, but I loved playing The Flight to Neverland and Sleigh Ride.

“As the orchestra size was smaller than normal, due to Duke’s Hall being small, it made it even more fantastic, as I felt more empowered. All the amazing sounds we made could be heard loud and clear to the audience.”

Robin added that he enjoys being part of the TPO for more than just the large concerts, it’s also about the people.

“It’s an amazing group of musicians that come together to have fun while making some amazing noises,” pondered Robin.

“It’s always a joy participating in the concerts, the TPO staff make it as smooth as possible for everyone involved, so we can focus on making music. Without them the concerts wouldn’t be as grand as they are.”

The next similar joint TPO and Show Choir concert will be on Mother’s Day at Birmingham Symphony Hall on March 30, 2025 at 3pm.

The People’s Orchestra and Show Choirs nationwide give members extraordinary opportunities to come together, meet like-minded people and perform at special venues and events. If you would like to get involved, see more about joining the orchestra here and the People’s Show Choir here.