http://www.inspirationuk.com/latest/ All the latest news and information from Inspiration en http://www.rssboard.org/rss-specification PHP/5.2.9 http://www.inspirationuk.com/latest/inspiration-supports-disability-rocks Inspiration supports Disability Rocks 23 April 2012 At the end of May Inspiration will be performing at Disability Rocks@NellBank. Disability Rocks is a new music and arts organisation providing events suitable for all but particularly for those affected by all forms of disability. The company was started by the father of a boy with a rare genetic condition. The first event, Disability Rocks@NellBank will be held on Saturday 26th May 2012. It is a day festival with an eclectic mix of music with dance, theatre, arts performance and workshops. Visit www.DisabilityRocks.org for more information about the event including how to book tickets. You can also follow the event on twitter @disabilityrocks. Mon, 23 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.inspirationuk.com/latest/inspiration-supports-disability-rocks http://www.inspirationuk.com/latest/so-what-happens-on-concert-day- So what happens on concert day? 8 March 2012 Some singers organise their black and scarlet kit on the spare bed with military precision a day or two before the concert, leaving only the lunchbox to be filled on the important day. Some of us believe in travelling light; others spend the day before each concert cooking up a storm and co-ordinating with friends in the choir to provide a spread that rivals the famous picnics of Harewood House or Glyndebourne - missing only copious quantities of fizzy stuff. If you're anything like me the food boils down to some of last night's leftovers or an M&S salad and fruit, and the precious hours the night before are spent not brushing fluff off the Little Black Dress but walking up and down the kitchen droning a few lines from the one song that still sometimes thinks it's scrambled egg instead of an immaculate omelette. Always a professional at last-minute cramming years ago, I still believe (although it's probably nonsense) that going over words until the very last moment will make a difference, even if I actually knew the words weeks ago. As with wearing my granny's silver medallion on all important occasions, it's a ritual that you just have to go with if it gives you confidence and comfort. First-timers might wonder what on earth there is to do for all those hours at Leeds Town Hall or The Sage Gateshead, when we're perfectly oven-ready thanks to Gary's enjoyable yet exhaustive rehearsal regime. Let me tell you: we do not spend a minute too long in that glorious building, and most of us end the day wishing it had all started earlier and lasted longer. As with a child who dreams about Santa and Christmas Day and has sleepless nights before their birthday, anticipation is everything with an Inspiration concert, and a vital element of the fun is the build-up. Having found a table and organised the all-important clothes (bring hangers!) bags of food and drink, make-up, accessories and mirrors, we assemble in the stalls while the piano is still being tuned. At this point everyone looks as they usually do - apart from tell-tale flashes of scarlet nails or newly-cut hair. From here on in almost every minute is accounted for by lining up, streaming up the stairs and onto the stage, filling the risers until they're fit to bust, putting soloists in the right places... then finally facing the lights, the baton and the glorious music provided by Northern Sinfonia or The Orchestra of Opera North. At first, their brilliance and professionalism are scary. How can we possibly measure up? Answer: by raising our game that final nano-distance to the summit. Singing to Gary's gran at the back of the upper circle is a tall order; projecting that far and making the words clear while preserving the nuances of the songs is exhausting, and at first the presence of the wall of sound provided by the orchestra is daunting. But somehow we quickly settle down, perfectly blended into a cocktail of music we hope is delicious to the ear. With every dress rehearsal inevitably there comes some howler - a moment when we know a song is definitely pear-shaped. Thankfully the musicians don't roll their eyes, and the problem is addressed after they've gone off for a break. Gary knows we get it, we've got it and we can give it - and no dress rehearsal gaffe has ever been repeated at showtime. So now the day is almost done... If we're lucky we'll have a couple of hours to nip out for some fresh air before the all-important chow-down and major hair, make-up and wardrobe operation that will help to raise everyone into full concert mode. Who knew so many versions of 'scarlet' existed in lipstick or bow ties? Who knows how much sponge cake and how many chocolate brownies fuel our magnificence? When we've just about stopped admiring ourselves and each other there's Gary at the door, all shiny shoes and primped beard. With a few words he lifts us that last inch or two to the pinnacle. The foil is off, we're succulent, browned and stuffed full of sensational musical goodies - let's get this feast on the table! For those of us who've been with Inspiration since early 2009, the excitement, butterflies, mild dose of nervous 'glow' and sheer unadulterated thrill have not worn off. Every time is almost like the first time, not least because the will to give of our very best is not merely as strong as ever - it's getting even more intense. As with anything you do that gives joy to others as well as yourself you want to keep doing it and improving so everybody feels good. Joy given, joy experienced... and the guarantee of more to come. How good is that? Sheena Hastings Thu, 08 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.inspirationuk.com/latest/so-what-happens-on-concert-day- http://www.inspirationuk.com/latest/sail-on-titanic-a-preview Sail On Titanic 4 March 2012 Celebrate is perhaps not the right word when talking about the sinking of RMS Titanic. It is 100 years since that fateful night and it seemed appropriate to mark the occasion somehow. Most of you will have seen the magnificent film version, and some of you may have seen the very powerful and atmospheric stage musical. We have included music from both of these in this term's concerts. We have also widened our scope a little with songs about the sea itself and the rivers that flow into it. Again I hope I have stretched the singers, especially with the opening of Vaughan Williams' Sea Symphony, one of the most arresting openings in the classical choral repertoire. 'Behold The Sea Itself'. They have certainly risen to the challenge, as always. After the huge success of our Christmas concert, this term has been completely different. Much more emotionally charged in some places; dare I say it, more dramatic. There have been tears. And as always, lots of laughter. The spirit in the rehearsals has been as uplifting as ever as we piece together what we hope will be a dramatic and enjoyable concert for you. Gary Inspiration will be performing Sail On Titanic at: Leeds Town Hall on Sunday 25 March at 4pm. Book online at www.leedsconcertseason.com or call the box office on 0113 224 3801. The Sage Gateshead on Saturday 31 March at 6pm. Book online at www.thesagegateshead.org or call the ticket office on 0191 443 4661. We look forward to seeing you there! Sun, 04 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.inspirationuk.com/latest/sail-on-titanic-a-preview http://www.inspirationuk.com/latest/truly-memorable-concerts Truly memorable concerts 22 December 2011 Well the Inspiration Christmas concerts are done for another year, but what joy they have brought. Full houses and standing ovations were well deserved for some truly memorable concerts. There was something extra this year which was very difficult to pin down; a certain feeling in the concerts that can't be manufactured or rehearsed, but which was very evident throughout. Our charity singing was also exceptional this term, with concerts for St.Edward's Church, Save The Children, Multiple Sclerosis Society and the Bexley Wing at Jimmy's, raising nearly £10,000 for such good causes. It was particularly pleasing to sing at the Bexley Wing with the piano that we helped to purchase by raising £4,000. This piano is now permanently in place for the benefit of all the cancer patients and their carers, and I'm sure it won't be long before we are there singing again. Full steam ahead now for next year. Our spring concerts 'Sail On Titanic' will commemorate the tragic story of RMS Titanic, with other music celebrating the power of the sea. Our Summer concerts will be in the Olympic spirit - entitled 'Here's to the Heroes' we will be exploring all types of heroes and heroism. We will also be raising money for Help for Heroes and taking this concert to Edinburgh to perform in the Edinburgh Festival. And then we are on to next Christmas. Already! We think next year will be our best yet. Merry Christmas everyone! Download a PDF of the Wharfedale Observer review Thu, 22 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.inspirationuk.com/latest/truly-memorable-concerts http://www.inspirationuk.com/latest/christmas-with-a-sprinkle-of-disney-magic Christmas with a sprinkle of Disney magic 24 November 2011 What a great weekend we all had, celebrating Christmas with the sprinkling of Disney Magic, at the first ever Disneyland Paris Christmas Choral Celebration, where we had the honour of being the first ever choir to be invited to launch what they hope will become an annual event. The weather all weekend was glorious, warm and sunny, though even liquid sunshine (or 'rain' as non-Disney curmudgeons call it) wouldn't have quelled our happy spirits. An early start on Saturday morning got us into the rehearsal venue in Walt Disney Studios Cinemagique at 8.00am where we were greeted by a very special surprise guest; none other than Mickey Mouse himself. Now I don't care how old you are, the sight of Mickey Mouse always makes you smile, especially when you are on his home territory. We had been joined for the weekend by a group of choirs called Funky Voices from Essex, who seemed just as excited as we were. I led us through some very gentle (well to start with, anyway) warmups before Robert, the head musician/composer/arranger at Disneyland took us through the two Disney numbers for the Festival Performance - 'As Long as There's Christmas' and the 'Festival Christmas Medley'. He seemed very impressed with 'Jingle Bells' in French. We then rehearsed the other four numbers, with The Funkies' director, Sandra, and me sharing the honours, before the return of our host - yes Mickey came back to listen to the work we had done. What a trouper. Then came the first real challenge of the day. We had to get 300 people from Cinemagique to the Castle Stage for our first performance. Now you might think this sounds like a simple operation but it meant travelling through the park itself at 11.00am in the morning and it was packed. I mean HEAVING. The whole Saturday was a special Christmas day for the park and the crowds had poured in. The wheelchairs arrived for those singers who needed them, and we set off through the throngs. We came to a standstill at the main gates of the Studios; the turnstiles were too busy to use so we had to get permission from Disney in America (yes America) to open the main gates. These had never before been opened to the public. We passed through like the opening into Jurassic Park. I'm sure fanfares were playing as the crowds parted to let us through the other side. Anyway, we made it to the Castle Stage in time for our performances at 12.00. These were the first of our individual performances on the main Castle Stage and we split into two groups, Leeds and Newcastle. Newcastle was on stage first, with Leeds ready to slide on as Newcastle left. The singing was fabulous, and everyone got to hear the other choir sing too, which is a bonus. There was a good crowd watching, the sun was shining and I'm not ashamed to admit I had a few moments. The Castle Stage is a wonderful venue, with the Castle in the background, looking spectacular in the glorious sunshine. 'Come celebrate Christmas' we sang in true Disney style and the hairs on the back of my neck stood up. 'Little Drummer Boy' and 'Let There Be Peace On Earth' were magnificent too. After these two performances we were free to enjoy the parks until the main Festival Performance that afternoon at 4.00 where both choirs and Funky Voices assembled on the Castle Stage, where new choral risers had appeared out of nowhere, once the Disney Dance Express (which I can only desciribe as terminally perky) had passed by. There really was a good crowd of people waiting to watch by this stage, and Sandra led us off with 'One Voice' and 'Keeping the Dream Alive', then I led us through 'Don't Stop Believing' and 'Do You Hear What I Hear', before Robert took to the podium for the main Disney numbers. I was watching the crowd when I wasn't conducting and I could see the looks of delight on their faces, especially the children, beaming even wider when the singers burst into french. Vive le vent, vive le vent, vive le vent d'hiver... This performance was the central reason for our visit and it was a huge success. The Disney organisers were very impressed with our perfect balance of professionalism and exuberance. There was a proper festival atmosphere and it had all the hallmarks of a full-blown Disney event, which it was. And then? Well, the evening was spent with Buffalo Bill and the Little Lady (Little? Hmmmmm) Annie Oakley at the Wild West Show. This was great fun, with some stunning stunt horse riding as well as some clowning around with rodeo games. The Bison stampede was surreal. And we all got a cowboy hat to keep. Yeeeeeeeee ha. Although we were allowed into the park before the general public because we were staying in a disney hotel, I'm sure a lot of the singers had a lie in on the Sunday morning, with maybe a gentle Small World (specially decorated for Christmas, as if it wasn't sweet enough already; I went round twice) before we met at lunchtime for our second performance on the Castle stage, with the same set list as Saturday but with Leeds on first this time. Again a fabulous performance - I could see singers still shaking coming off the stage after Drummer Boy, which seemed to come from somewhere very deep inside. Then it was all over. Some singers travelled back on the Sunday afternoon, while some stayed until Monday, enjoying the smaller crowds and shorter queues than at the weekend. I managed front and back on quite a few; in fact over the weekend I managed to get on to everything, including a mass fastpass on Thunder Mountain with about 30 other singers. Rides and coasters are a passion of mine, and to combine them with fabulous concerts as well is close to perfect. The whole weekend was joyous and happy, as it can only be at Disney. Many thanks have been said to everyone who made it happen - and I am very proud of all who went. You were great ambassadors for Inspiration and for singing, and no doubt we will be going back some time in the future. Thank you. Gary Thu, 24 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.inspirationuk.com/latest/christmas-with-a-sprinkle-of-disney-magic http://www.inspirationuk.com/latest/citizenship-awards-by-royal-appointment- Citizenships Award - By Royal Appointment! 16 September 2011 On Tuesday 13th September a few of our Inspiration singers (the gallery was full with 16!), with Andy Booth on keyboard, were honoured to sing for a Royal guest, Her Royal Highness Princess Anne, the Princess Royal, at the Citizenship Award ceremony in Leeds Civic Hall. Accompanying her and representing our City were the Lord Mayor of Leeds and the Lord Lieutenant of Leeds. The purpose of this special occasion was for HRH to present certificates and mementoes to almost 30 new British citizens, making this a particularly memorable ceremony for them. Gary Griffiths, our Music Director, sang and conducted our small number of singers in our offering of 'Anthem' and 'World in Union', with a verse of the National Anthem at the closing of the ceremony. Andy squeezed his keyboard into a corner of the gallery and gave a very enjoyable rendition of improvised show medleys as background music as we waited for our Royal guest. We think Princess Anne appreciated our efforts as we had a smile and a nod of thanks and acknowledgement from her as she left the banqueting suite at the end of the official proceedings. We haven't yet been informed whether this means that Inspiration can now claim to be a choir 'by Royal Appointment', but it was certainly a privilege for those of us who were lucky enough to be able to take part. Fri, 16 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.inspirationuk.com/latest/citizenship-awards-by-royal-appointment- http://www.inspirationuk.com/latest/everywhere-christmas-tonight- Everywhere Christmas Tonight 8 September 2011 Rehearsals are about to get under way for Inspiration's next Christmas extravaganza 'Everywhere Christmas Tonight' and tickets are already selling fast in both Leeds and Newcastle. Music and rehearsal tracks have been available for a while now for those members who wanted to get a head start, but I'm sure we are all looking forward to getting back to regular weekly rehearsals. Singing is such a tonic, we really miss it when we have a break. This Christmas concert is full of our trademark 'versions' of all the favourites, done in the way only we can. Plus, this year, we are featuring a tribute to the master of holiday music, Mr Henry Mancini. Expect visits from Rudolph and Frosty, and a white Christmas with bells on... silver bells that is. Chestnuts will be roasting and the drummer boy will be ready. It wouldn't be Christmas without him! Everywhere Christmas Tonight with Northern Sinfonia The Sage Gateshead Saturday 3 December 2011, 3pm and 7.30pm Book tickets Everywhere Christmas Tonight with The Orchestra of Opera North Leeds Town Hall Sunday 18 December 2011, 4pm Book tickets Thu, 08 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.inspirationuk.com/latest/everywhere-christmas-tonight- http://www.inspirationuk.com/latest/-raise-your-voice-cds-now-available 'Raise Your Voice' CDs now available 12 August 2011 If you're still humming the showtunes from Inspiration's sensational concert 'Raise Your Voice' performed at The Sage Gateshead, then you'll be pleased to hear that a CD has been released of the concert. It features all your favourites from the world of musical theatre - Sister Act, Les Misérables, Sunset Boulevard, My Fair Lady and more... The double CD costs just £12 and is available from The Sage Gateshead shop.   Fri, 12 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.inspirationuk.com/latest/-raise-your-voice-cds-now-available http://www.inspirationuk.com/latest/a-unique-invitation A Unique Invitation 3 August 2011 Following our successful trip to Paris last year, Inspiration has been invited by Disney to be the first ever choir to sing in the Christmas Choral Celebration at Disneyland Paris this Christmas. As part of their Magic Music Days programme, they have asked us to launch this brand new choral venture. We are thrilled to be working so closely with Disney, and we are taking 250 singers across to the continent for this event. We will be involved with the switching on of the Christmas lights, and all sorts of other festive activities. Time to put the tree up! Wed, 03 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.inspirationuk.com/latest/a-unique-invitation http://www.inspirationuk.com/latest/room-for-expansion Room for expansion 25 July 2011 Inspiration in Leeds has outgrown its present rehearsal venue, and so we have moved - not far, but it's a much bigger space with room for expansion at last. We can now accommodate more singers, so if you have been thinking of joining, now's the time. If you want to come along and give singing a try before you join then that's fine, the first couple of rehearsals next term are open to potential new members for free, but we promise, once you've been to one there's no turning back. You will be hooked! All sections in the choir are welcoming, especially our large tenor and bass sections, so if you are a tenor or bass and have been put off joining a choir because of the scarcity of men (which is quite common) then don't worry - our fellas will make you very safe and welcome. Rehearsals for our next concert start on 12 September 2011. You don't have to be able to read music, and you will receive a rehearsal CD with all your music on. Application forms can be found below, or email us for more information. Download the Leeds application form (Word) Download the Leeds application form (PDF) Mon, 25 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.inspirationuk.com/latest/room-for-expansion http://www.inspirationuk.com/latest/your-song-a-mix-tape-for-600-singers Your Song - a mix tape for 600 singers 25 May 2011 Both groups, Leeds and Newcastle, are well into rehearsals now for our next exciting concert, which is made up of songs that have been chosen by the singers themselves. Some choices have been made because of unique personal stories, others just because 'I thought it would sound nice'. Whatever the reason this concert is a fabulous mix of styles, and we are having a ball in rehearsals. By far the most popular choice was The Beatles so we have quite a few songs from them, including 'Yesterday', 'Hard Day's Night', 'Michelle', and of course 'Hey Jude'. We also cover the classical side with the ear-splitting 'Dies Irae' from the Verdi Requiem, and the more ethereal 'The Lord is my Shepherd' from John Rutter's Requiem. Pop isn't forgotten as we bring out our fabulous Madonna 'Like a Prayer' and Take That's 'Shine'. The Leeds group will be performing 'Your Song' with The Orchestra of Opera North at Leeds Town Hall on Saturday 9 July. Find out how to get tickets. The Newcastle group will be performing 'Your Song' with Northern Sinfonia at The Sage Gateshead on Sunday 17 July. Find out how to get tickets.   Wed, 25 May 2011 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.inspirationuk.com/latest/your-song-a-mix-tape-for-600-singers http://www.inspirationuk.com/latest/inspiration-on-tour-again Inspiration on tour again 25 May 2011 Planning is under way for our next big trip, in August 2012, when we set out to sing in the largest arts festival in the World. We will be taking upwards of 300 singers to Edinburgh to sing in the Edinburgh Festival with our concert called 'Here's to the Heroes'. Planning is at an early stage as yet, but we have some great activities planned, and we are even designing our own unique Inspiration Tartan! More updates to follow soon! Wed, 25 May 2011 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.inspirationuk.com/latest/inspiration-on-tour-again http://www.inspirationuk.com/latest/-raise-your-voice-in-leeds-review 'Raise Your Voice' in Leeds - Press Review March 2011 This Leeds community choir of three hundred voices in full cry could raise the roof, as well as bringing a tear to the eye through their uninhibited and infectious enjoyment of singing. Inspiration musical director and conductor, Gary Griffiths, arranges the music for the massed voices and the brilliant Orchestra of Opera North. A full-throated roar characterised the rousing Oklahoma! Chorus, and Raise Your Voice, from Sister Act. After an orchestral Curtain Up, the concert continued with a glittering medley from My Fair Lady and featured several numbers from newer musicals - Astonishing, from Little Women, and Meadowlark, from the Baker's Wife. Schonberg and Boubill hit shows were represented by The American Dream from Miss Saigon, and from Les Miserables - a lusty performance of Master of the House, Do You Hear the People Sing, and Stars; the last named showcasing the powerful tenor voice of Richard Aldham. Tell Me It's Not True, from Blood Brothers, and the haunting, Somewhere, from West Side Story provided some of the most poignant moments of the concert. A generous medley from Lloyd Webber's Sunset Boulevard ended the official programme and an ecstatic capacity audience demanded more. Inspiration's encore - Bali Hai, from Rodgers and Hammerstein's South Pacific - began with spectacular lighting effects and the sound of a tropical rainstorm produced by the choir's three hundred pairs of hands rhythmically tapping on their knees - absolutely awesome. I can barely wait for Inspiration's next Leeds Town Hall concert on Saturday 9th July at 7.30pm. Geoffrey Mogridge Fri, 11 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.inspirationuk.com/latest/-raise-your-voice-in-leeds-review http://www.inspirationuk.com/latest/-raise-your-voice-in-leeds-a-sell-out-now-on-to-the-next-one- 'Raise Your Voice' in Leeds a sell out - now on to the next one... 'Your Song' March 2011 We certainly did 'Raise Our Voice' in Leeds Town Hall on March 6th. A Full House was the icing on the cake for a wonderful day. If you didn't manage to catch us in Leeds, there is another chance to hear this concert in The Sage Gateshead on April 2nd. Once again we will be accompanied by the wonderful Northern Sinfonia. Our Summer concert this year is something different. 'Your Song' will be made up from songs suggested by audience members and singers, so you can expect a real mixture. We have Beatles, ABBA, Rutter and Verdi. Vangelis and Enya. Fiddler on the Roof and Bohemian Rhapsody. All in one concert! If you have any songs you would love Inspiration to sing, then it's not too late. Use our contact form to let us know, and we might be able to squeeze in your request. Tickets will be on sale soon, so keep an eye on the website and we'll let you know. Wed, 09 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.inspirationuk.com/latest/-raise-your-voice-in-leeds-a-sell-out-now-on-to-the-next-one- http://www.inspirationuk.com/latest/-raise-your-voice-in-leeds-virtually-a-sellout 'Raise Your Voice'! January 2010 It seems a long time ago, our Christmas concert, but we are well on our way to our next one, 'Raise Your Voice'. This is Inspiration coming home, back to musical theatre at its finest, which is where our hearts really lie. Rehearsals have been going extremely well, with both groups full to capacity, and the drama and passion of the music is really shining through. As soon as we started the 'Les Mis' march in Do You Hear The People Sing we knew something special was happening. And Sunset Boulevard? Well it was like Norma Desmond was in the room. There is so much good stuff in this concert it's hard to pick a favourite. Do you like the classic musicals? Well we've got Oklahoma and My Fair Lady. A bit more modern? Of course there's Les Miserables, but also Miss Saigon and Sunset Boulevard. How about brand new? Our title track, 'Raise Your Voice', is the finale from the brand new stage version of Sister Act, which packed them in in the West End. Tickets are already selling fast (Leeds is virtually sold out - just a few seats left) so if you want some, best get cracking! The concerts are in Leeds Town Hall on 6 March, accompanied once again by the fabulous Orchestra of Opera North and if you haven't been able to get seats for that one, come and see us in The Sage Gateshead on 2 April, accompanied by the wonderful Northern Sinfonia. Now Mr DeMille, I'm ready for my close up. Tue, 22 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.inspirationuk.com/latest/-raise-your-voice-in-leeds-virtually-a-sellout http://www.inspirationuk.com/latest/an-air-of-excitement An Air Of Excitment 10 November 2010 The best of our black and scarlet winter items are already being spruced up for a busy season of concerts that will take Inspiration through to Christmas with a song permanently in its heart and on its lips. The most difficult work is behind us, and now comes the fabulous final straight, involving singing everything off the book and polishing, polishing, polishing until we can see our faces in those songs! There's an air of excitement about rehearsals as we build up to the Big Ones, but it's so great that we have also been invited to sing our Christmas programme at a variety of fundraising events in the community. Inspiration Leeds will start the season with a sparkle, a boom, a sleigh-bell or three and many a heart-tugging note, when the choir takes to the stage at a sold-out Leeds Town Hall on November 27. Rejoice! will be accompanied, as ever, by the fabulous Orchestra of Opera North. On December 4 Inspiration will sing to patients and staff at Bexley Wing, aka the Yorkshire Regional Cancer Centre at James's Hospital in Leeds. The atrium, with its great acoustic and grand piano bought with the help of £2,500 raised by Inspiration, will be welcoming our music for the third time, and it will, we're sure, be an uplifting occasion for all. December 5 will see the choir performing a candlelight concert at St Edward's Church in Clifford near Wetherby for its organ restoration fund, and Queen Ethelberga's School in North Yorkshire will host us on December 12, when we'll be helping the fundraising for the renovation of Little Ouseburn Church nearby. The following day sees the choir entertaining the crowd at Holy Trinity Parish Church in Bradford, in aid of the charity Helping Hands. Inspiration's music will flood the majestic Newcastle Cathedral on December 16 in a concert for the vital work of Macmillan Nurses, and Inspiration Newcastle will stir up the crowds in spectacular fashion with its two packed-out Rejoice! performances with the wonderful Northern Sinfonia at The Sage Gateshead on December 19. Phew! It's great to spread our song and good cheer, send people home happy - and know we'll definitely have earned our figgy pudding. ...now where did we put that polish?! Wed, 10 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.inspirationuk.com/latest/an-air-of-excitement http://www.inspirationuk.com/latest/a-parisian-adventure A Parisian Adventure 3 September 2010 It was 18 months ago when I had the idea of taking Inspiration to Paris to sing our medley from Disney's Hunchback of Notre Dame. I never dreamed it would lead to the trip that we have just had. Four concerts in three days was a little tiring to say the least, but well worth it. The magnificent Church of St. Eustache in the centre of Paris was our first venue on the Saturday night. A huge acoustic and a full house meant a great start to the tour, with Inspiration really singing out into the enormous spaces of the church.   On the Sunday morning we all went to Disneyland Paris. Two concerts meant that Leeds could listen to Newcastle and Newcastle could listen to Leeds, singing on the main Castle Stage in glorious sunshine, and then the rest of the day enjoying the park. Even Mark our Newcastle pianist went on 'It's a Small World'.   And then? Well, on the Monday afternoon we went for a little boat trip. 400 of us on one huge boat. On the Seine. Sailing past the Cathedral of Notre Dame. SINGING HUNCHBACK! It was almost surreal, people strolling by the Seine stopping to listen. Apartment windows being flung open as we passed. Even a bride and groom on one of the bridges waving at us. Again glorious sunshine made for a wonderful hour-long cruise, singing all the way, and topped off with a rousing Hallelujah Chorus as we arrived back at the jetty.   Thank you to everyone who made this happen. To all at Rayburn Tours of course; to Judith and Chris for all the help marshalling the troops. To Andy, Mark, Rich and Matt, our band. To Janice for all the help before we went. And special thanks to Sue, without whom I don't think it would have happened.   I'm just left with one question. Where next?   Gary Fri, 03 Sep 2010 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.inspirationuk.com/latest/a-parisian-adventure http://www.inspirationuk.com/latest/charity-concert-raises-1-500 Charity concert raises £1,500 8 August 2010 On Friday 6 August, 70 Inspiration singers assembled at the Playhouse Whitley Bay to sing in a variety show put together by Peter Berrie (Bass, Newcastle). The concert was designed to showcase local talent and other acts included a Steel Band, a magician and a dance troupe. The show was hosted by Alfie Joey, BBC Radio Newcastle breakfast DJ. Inspiration closed the show with numbers from the summer concert, including Disney's Vulture Quartet from The Jungle Book. The Rotary Club of Monkseaton Centenary, of which Peter is a member and who sponsored the show, will have raised around £1500 for local charities by the time all the donations are in and counted.  All in all, a vey worthwhile evening's entertainment. Sun, 08 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.inspirationuk.com/latest/charity-concert-raises-1-500 http://www.inspirationuk.com/latest/don-t-stop-believing Don't Stop Believing 19 July 2010 After the high emotion and epic sweep of the spring term, this summer's concerts were an opportunity for us to let our hair down a bit with a family-friendly set of songs. From High School Musical and Shrek, to Glee and The Wizard of Oz, once again the singers rose to the challenge with high energy concerts at both Leeds Town Hall and The Sage Gateshead. It was great to see so many children in the audience, especially the young girls dressed as cheerleaders, pompoms and everything. With everybody on their feet dancing at the end, it was a wonderful party atmosphere. Mon, 19 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.inspirationuk.com/latest/don-t-stop-believing http://www.inspirationuk.com/latest/inspiring-achievers Inspiring Achievers 25 June 2010 Only the stoniest of hearts could have failed to be moved by the stories of courage, tenacity, selflessness and philanthropy we heard when Inspiration were invited to perform for the second time at the annual Yorkshire Women of Achievement Awards lunch at the Royal Armouries, Leeds, on June 27. Now in its 24th year, the awards are organised and hosted by Sue Ryder Care in aid of Wheatfields Hospice. A cast of hundreds was assembled from all walks of life in a hall that was beautifully dressed in silver and lilac, topped off with giant purple satin bows, and silver and purple balloons. Inspiration's dear friend and BBC Radio Leeds presenter Liz Green compered the ceremony with her customary style and aplomb. While nominees and other guests enjoyed their lunch, more than 200 members of Inspiration assembled outside the venue for warm-ups and a brief impromptu performance for appreciative passers-by. We quietly filed into the back of the venue once lunch was over, and from our vantage point were able to enjoy the inspiring stories of the stunning women who were given awards in different categories. They included details of philanthropic work done by an alcoholic turned multimillionaire businesswoman, 32 years' service to Sue Ryder Care by another winner, and the moving choice of overall Woman of Achievement to Kitty McGeever, the blind actress who plays irrepressible Lizzie Lakely in ITV's popular drama 'Emmerdale'. Her story of triumph over adversity, which encompasses not only her own disability but the loss of a dear sister in childhood and her own precious 15-month-old little boy to fatal illness touched every heart and justifiably brought the crowd to their feet. Touchingly, Kitty was overwhelmed and seemed truly humbled by the recognition. No-one can have left this amazing occasion without vowing to be more stoical in the face of whatever life might throw at them. Inspiration sang the highly appropriate 'Climb Every Mountain' and 'Candle On The Water', and with the emotions of so many in the audience already very close to the surface, it was no surprise that we spotted more than a few wet faces around us. We felt truly inspired and could have sung all night! By Sheena Hastings Fri, 25 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.inspirationuk.com/latest/inspiring-achievers http://www.inspirationuk.com/latest/andy-s-new-friend Andy's New Friend 20 June 2010 We're not quite a fixture at Huddersfield's Galpharm Stadium, but here's hoping that it's only a matter of time... On Sunday, June 20, members of the choir sang for rugby fans before kick-off between Huddersfield Giants and Hull. It was the third time we'd been invited to perform at the Galpharm, and members of the stewarding, security, catering staff and management welcomed us like old friends. As you'll see in our picture, team mascot Big G decided he was now Andy's best chum. No-one had suspected Andy's ability to attract grown men dressed in rubber until that point... Unlike the previous visit, when we sang from the corner of a stand, we were allowed back on the pitch. Also unlike the last time (when thermal undies and hot soup were required), we were blessed with glorious summer weather. While the distractingly muscle-bound and hunky players warmed up in the background, the crowd seemed to thoroughly enjoy 'Climb Every Mountain', 'Mamma Mia Medley', 'Candle On The Water' and 'Don't Stop Believing'. 'Mamma Mia' seemed to be a particular favourite with the fans. For those who didn't catch it, the match result was Huddersfield Giants 32-Hull 20. Yay! By Sheena Hastings Sun, 20 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.inspirationuk.com/latest/andy-s-new-friend http://www.inspirationuk.com/latest/audrey-and-phil-s-big-challenge Audrey and Phil's Big Challenge 8 June 2010 Inspiration Leeds recently welcomed two new but temporary members for a couple of rehearsals, as part of a television project that will see the choir featured on The Biography Channel in August and September. A two-man camera crew followed Audrey and Phil Chawner as Gary put them through their paces among the sopranos and basses. Both were understandably nervous at first, and Phil didn't look as though he was enjoying himself too much until half-way through the first session, when his shoulders visibly relaxed and a little smile broke through. Meanwhile Audrey threw herself into the warm-ups and quickly picked up the rhythm of 'Don't Stop Believing', tapping her feet and throwing in little hand movements. She said she and Phil had been in a choir long ago, but hadn't sung for years. She certainly seemed to hit the right notes reasonably easily. The couple and their daughters Emma and Samantha had been selected last year for a television lifestyle overhaul, helping them to improve some of their habits, lose weight and become fitter with advice from the programme's panel of experts. The series, 'Lorraine Kelly's Big Fat Challenge', won top ratings, and The Biography Channel commissioned a further series about the Chawner family's efforts to turn their lives around. The programmes are produced by Leeds-based Daisybeck Productions, and they'll show how Phil and Audrey have tried to make their lives healthier in the obvious ways like watching what they eat and drink and taking more exercise, but also improving things in other ways, including taking up hobbies like singing. By the second session Phil and Audrey had obviously done some homework, and fitted quite seamlessly into their voice parts. After a two-hour session they, Gary, Andy and the choir had been filmed from almost every conceivable angle, and Gary had been interviewed about the couple's progress, giving them a glowing report. Before the end of the rehearsal, Emma and Samantha surprised Phil and Audrey with a little cake for Phil's 55th birthday, and the family's emotion brimmed over as Inspiration not only sang 'Happy Birthday', but also gave a rendition of our old favourite 'Candle On The Water', as a tribute to Phil and Audrey for being good sports. The couple were filmed again, joining in the Singing Day led by Inspiration at Horbury. It was a fantastic and well-attended event just like last year's, with people of all ages learning a few of our songs and enjoying a mega-performance to end the day. Phil and Audrey said they'd thoroughly enjoyed themselves, and left determined to find a choir closer to their home in Wigan that they can attend regularly. The Inspiration magic had obviously done its job. Anyone who's experienced the extraordinary feelgood factor of singing in a choir will be hoping that the Chawners will find the same joy. By Sheena Hastings Tue, 08 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.inspirationuk.com/latest/audrey-and-phil-s-big-challenge