The launch of a brand new ‘lunch-hour’ community choir for city centre workers and regular visitors to Bristol’s Broadmead is the latest venture from the community team at the New Room.
This popular venue, also known locally as John Wesley’s chapel, has benefitted from a multi-million pound Heritage Lottery-funded redevelopment this year, providing the perfect location for a variety of new community activities.
Two drop in ‘taster sessions’ will be held from 12.15–1pm on Wednesday 6 and Wednesday 13 December focusing on Christmassy music, with regular sessions starting in the New Year.
Louise Wratten, community engagement officer for the New Room, said: “We’re hoping that folk who regularly find themselves in our neck of the woods on a Wednesday lunchtime will come along to one of our taster sessions, meet our amazing choir leaders, and experience the special ‘feel good’ factor of singing with a choir. Advance booking is not required: people can just turn up on the day.
“Everyone is welcome: no singing experience or musical skills required, just a willingness to give it a go. There are no auditions, and there will be no charge.
“We’re planning to offer a wide range of musical styles including pop, folk, rock, jazz, blues and gospel, so there should be something to appeal to most people, and the acoustics in our chapel are wonderful.”
The choir leaders will be Rose Kroner and Judit Soler Almendros, two professional musicians and experienced singers who have recently worked together with the UWE Bristol ReVoice Choir.
Rose said: “Working on the UWE project – a music therapy choir – gave us so much insight into the benefits of singing in a choir. Choral singing can enhance mood, inspire confidence and motivation and reduce feelings of isolation.”
Judit added: “It makes people feel connected to share a meaningful experience such as group singing, and Rose and I are both delighted to be involved with the New Room’s new community choir.”
After the two lunch-time taster sessions on 6 and 13 December, regular meetings will commence on 10 January and will run every Wednesday in term time. Further details are available from Louise Wratten on 0117 9264740, email community@newroombristol.org.uk or see www.newroombristol.org.uk
