After 16 years of musical joy, and having raised more than £75,000 for Island causes, the Phoenix Choir enjoyed a final sell out performance at Newport Minster last Saturday (5th July), raising money for the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Air Ambulance in the process.
They were joined by nearly 400 audience members including Jacqueline Gazzard, High Sheriff for the Island, who handed out her first High Sheriff Award for the year, to choir leader Robin Burnett.
She said:
“Our Island community thrives only because talented people like Robin make the effort to pull together wonderful music and super singers, entertaining us entirely for voluntary causes. He is the epitome of generosity and kindness, and I consider it an honour to give him this award.”
All enjoyed a varied programme that included Singin’ in the Rain, You’ll Never Walk Alone and Bridge over Troubled Water. They ended with the hit ‘Music’, which became their signature tune.
Robin said:
“The enthusiastic audience lifted the choir’s performance and created a wonderful atmosphere which was enjoyed by everyone. Clearly, after 16 years together, there were mixed emotions amongst Phoenix members, but I am grateful for their loyalty to both the choir and to me personally.
“A memorable afternoon which will remain with us all for a long time.”
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Finally, some peace and quiet!