The NHS Nightingales choir are to mark their first anniversary with a celebratory free concert at St Mary’s Hospital on Sunday 27th April 2014.
The group is made up entirely of current or retired staff and volunteers from the Isle of Wight NHS Trust and was inspired by Gareth Malone’s BBC TV series, ‘Sing While You Work’, which aims to find the best workplace choir. All levels of singing ability are represented in the 30-strong group, with some members having never publicly performed before joining the choir.
The choir’s Musical Director is Hannah Brear, who is also behind the Island’s successful ‘Resonate’ youth group, and Pianist Richard Wiseman accompanies the group’s performances.
The NHS Nightingales have already appeared at a number of important occasions, most notably at the NHS Trust Awards evening at Medina Theatre in November 2013.
Choir Leader and Clinical Team Leader for Community Mental Health, Stacey Cripps, said:
“We enjoy performing a large variety of music, from contemporary hits to classic pop songs such as Fever, The Climb and Bridge over Troubled Water. The choir is a great way of meeting different people from all over the Trust and singing is such a great way to reduce stress levels and improve your mental health. It’s really good to just do something fun and different outside of the workplace!”
The NHS Nightingales are looking forward to another busy year ahead, and have recently been awarded a grant from the Trust’s Charitable Funds Committee for new choir uniforms, a keyboard and to help with concert fees and expenses. The Nightingales are also set to appear at the Isle of Wight Arts Festival in Ventnor on 5 May, where they will be performing as part of the Bournemouth Male Voice Choir concert.
Everyone is welcome to attend the first anniversary concert at the Full Circle Restaurant at St Mary’s Hospital, between 6:30pm and 8:30pm on Sunday 27 April 2014. A raffle with some fantastic prizes will be held, with 50% of the proceeds going to the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance. Refreshments will also be available, although a small donation would be appreciated.
The choir meets every Tuesday evening at the Riverside Centre in Newport and anyone who has retired, currently works or volunteers for the Isle of Wight NHS Trust is welcome to join the group. For further information please contact Stacey Cripps on (01983) 525254 or email: [email protected]
