Welcome to the December edition of our Bridgewater For All Playback, where we look back at the highlights of the Learning and Participation programme at The Bridgewater Hall for this month. The Christmas trees are up, the lights are hung, and there’s festive songs and spirit bustling all around the Hall this December!
We hope you had a very Merry Christmas and enjoy reading what we’ve been up to this month.
The L&P Department
Bridgewater Hall Singers Christmas Performance and Arndale Busking – 8 December & 13 December
Our Bridgewater Hall Singers joined up with Simply Singing’s North-West choirs for a day of pure Christmas magic. Accompanied by a live band, over 150 choir members performed an array of beautiful songs that they’ve been learning separately over the past year. From Christmas classics such as We Wish You a Merry Christmas to Leonard Cohen’s hauntingly beautiful Hallelujah, it was a very special occasion as our choir performed to an audience of friends and family. Afterwards we all enjoyed a mince pie and cup of tea – we can’t think of a more perfect way to start the festive season! Later in December, the Bridgewater Hall Singers spent the afternoon busking at Arndale Shopping Centre. It was a great chance to spread some Christmas cheer – a big thank you to everyone who came and watched! From both performances, the choir raised over £600 for The Booth Centre, an amazing community led charity who help those affected by homelessness.
Be Hear Now – 10 December
This month we were joined by Iwan (piano) and Abigail (viola) from Live Music Now. Together, they played some beautiful music, and we even had a group singalong to Walking in the Air from the Christmas must-watch, The Snowman. It was great to get up close to the viola, and learn how this is different to its sister, the violin. Our participants were able to have a play on the lovely Steinway too, which is always a great treat!
Songs and Scones – 12 December
For Songs and Scones we were joined by the lovely James and Meera of Meraki Duo. James played some amazing traditional Spanish music on his classical guitar, accompanied by Meera on the flute. We had to squeeze in the obligatory Christmas sing-along too – Silent Night sounded heavenly. Big thank you to Live Music Now for helping make these great concerts happen!