Hope at York Minster this Christmas

A Community Choir which performed together for the first time last year, will play a leading role in Manor Church of England Academy’s annual carol service at York Minster in December.

Staff, parents, grandparents and friends from the seven Hope Learning Trust York schools (Manor CE Academy, Vale of York Academy, Barlby High School, Burton Green Primary, Poppleton Ousebank Primary, Forest of Galtres Anglican Methodist Primary and Baldersby St James CE Primary) are invited to join the Hope Community Choir which will perform at the service on Tuesday 4 December.

Dave Lowe, Choirmaster and Head of Music at Manor CE Academy, said “Our carol concert in the Minster is always spectacular. Our passionate young musicians and new musical arrangements promise to make this another remarkable and unique occasion and to have the Hope Community Choir involved once again, will make the occasion extra special!

“The choir provides an opportunity for people within the Hope Learning Trust to get together at a really important time of year, meet others from our wider community and enjoy the magnificent experience of singing together in the Minster at Christmas-time. It is completely free to take part, all materials will be provided and no previous singing experience is necessary. All we ask is that participants attend at least two of three rehearsals at Manor before the big night. The first rehearsal takes place on Thursday 15 November. We’re looking forward to seeing as many members of the Hope family as possible!”

Anyone interested in joining the Hope Community Choir should register online at https://doodle.com/poll/r9krvpmm4rvaiqfc with their name and the school they are connected to.

The choir will sing a featured performance of ‘I am Free,’ a song written for use at remembrance services this month to mark the 100th anniversary of Armistice Day. They will be accompanied by the Manor Concert Orchestra and have priority seating at the front of the Minster from where they will lead the carol singing on the evening.