On Saturday 4th March, the world-famous Morriston Orpheus Choir performed at Lincoln Cathedral for the fourth time in support of St Barnabas Hospice, raising £27,500 in ticket sales and generous donations by the concert attendees on the night.
The performance was part of the 40th anniversary celebrations for St Barnabas, which was established as the first Lincolnshire hospice care charity in 1982.
Lincoln Cathedral’s beautiful architecture certainly added to the joyous atmosphere on the night, with the Choir performing on a stage erected within the historic Nave.
Conal Bembridge–Sayers, Musical Director at the Morriston Orpheus Choir said: “It is wonderful to be here and perform for supporters of hospice care, which is such an important cause.
“I am especially excited, as my grandfather spent his childhood here. He was born in Ireland and was brought up in Lincoln, before moving to Wales as an adult. It’s my first time visiting Lincoln and being able to perform in the Cathedral, which he will of course have seen many times, is very special to me.
“If you can support St Barnabas further, for instance by donating or volunteering, I highly suggest you do, it can mean a world of difference to the people you will be helping.”
The Choir’s setlist comprised of traditional and original songs in Welsh and English, with some audience members visibly moved by the emotional pieces. There were also plenty of smiles and laughs during the more light-hearted songs including ‘Be our Guest’ from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.
Morriston Choir were joined onstage by soloist Rachel Roper who recently won the prestigious MOCSA Young Welsh Singer of the Year Award, and the local Lincoln Male Voice Choir who performed three songs including the Dambusters March.
Chris Wheway, Chief Executive at St Barnabas, said in his speech: “By being here tonight, you are making a difference to over 12,000 Lincolnshire people that we support every year. That’s families in your community, who we are honoured to care for. Your support means everything to us, and we couldn’t do it without you.”
St Barnabas would like to thank all the local music lovers who attended the performance, the members of Morriston Orpheus Choir and Lincoln Male Voice Choir, Rachel Roper, and all staff and volunteers who helped run the event.
With special thanks to long-time supporter and Lincoln Male Voice Choir member Keith Hebblewhite who at the end of the concert was presented with a gift. Keith organised for the Choir to support the Hospice with their first performance in 2003 and has been instrumental in the three following Morriston Orpheus Choir concerts.
To find out more about St Barnabas Hospice and to support the cause, visit: www.StBarnabasHospice.co.uk
Photography by Jorj Malinowski and David Chapman of Lincoln Camera Club
