Museum Street is alive with the sound of music as choirs get together to sing!
Ipswich rang out to the sound of singing on Saturday, with choirs, duos and solo singers showing of their entertaining talents in aid of an important local charity.
This was the second In Harmony concert organised by Helen Wheatley, musical director and local singing teacher, at Museum Street Methodist Church and it featured local singers and visiting star performers The London Belles and Portobello Road.
This concert was in aid of Fresh Start - new beginnings, started by Diana Porter, which is celebrating its fifth birthday.
The charity now works across the region helping young victims of sexual abuse.
It was an uplifting evening of music from all sorts of genres, rock, pop, songs from the shows and vintage numbers all featured.
Some songs were very familiar; some were less so.
The evening was compered by Wayne Bavin of BBC Radio Suffolk and it kicked off with Leanard Cohen’s Hallelujah, Proud Mary and Bring Him Home performed by the Endeavour Singers - a workplace choir of council workers, and directed by Helen Wheatley,
Afterwards Helen said: “I was delighted with a turn-out. It was wonderful to see so many people supporting us and the charity.
“I was impressed by the standard of the performers, including the duos and solo artists, and our guest The London Belles and Portobello Road.
“When you just have one run-through you are never sure how it will go on the night, but everyone seemed to enjoy it. Wayne Bavin was very helpful, he held it all together.
“It was a great evening.”
It raised around £2,000 for the charity.
The Endeavour Singers were back later performing Run and David Bowie’s Life on Mars.
The concert included several duos, sisters Eve and Rebecca Wheatley, Isla Kaye and Emma Johnson, and Emma Parker and Jo Clements.
There were also a couple of amazing soloists, Layla Cairns and 12-year-old Roma.
Making their debut were Stellar Acappella, an all female singing group, whose set range from a silky Amazing Grace to sparky Girl On Fire, the Alicia Keys hit song. The leader is Gaynor Schofield.
The visiting professional acts, The London Belles and Portobello Road were amazing; superb singing of course, but slick and funny too.
Their stage presence was easy and enertaining.
The award-winning barbershop quartet, Portobello Road, got us All Shook Up, Misty and Quando, Quando, Quando in their set.
There was nostalgia from The London Belles including the Andrews Sisters - Don’t Sit Under The Apple Tree, and In The Mood and I Will Survive.
It was a very entertaining evening.
It is easy to see why singing, and singing together especially, is back in vogue.
It is simply fun - especially when you recognise the songs and know all the lyrics.
Stellar Acappella is looking to look more local singers. Check out their Facebook page @stellaracappella
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