The ensemble of Manchester Inspirational Voices are getting into the Christmas spirit at the Light House Church in Salford.
The choir has fast become one of the most popular community gospel choirs in the North West.
The Christmas performance takes place at The Bridgewater Hall on Monday 16th December.
Wayne Ellington, the founder of Manchester Inspirational Voices moved from London to Manchester 17 years ago with a passion for music and to bring people together.
“I’ve been running the choir for 13 years. It’s all about inclusion and bringing people together,” he said.
“I’m from a music background myself having been brought up singing in gospel church choirs in London.
I had a desire to contribute to the city of Manchester so I looked at what skills I had and decided to use my passion of music.”
The choir has grown enormously since it began with an ensemble of just 12 people.
The choir now numbers over 100.
This resulted in the choir winning back-to-back Gospel Choir of the Year awards in 2016 and 17 and noteworthy performances on BBC Songs of Praise. Since then they have gone from strength.
Wayne said: “I was asked to bring a group of singers together for the Manchester International festival in 2005 and I thought this could be the beginning of my vision of bringing the people of Manchester together.
“I didn’t realise it would become what it is now.”
The ever-growing choir is made up by volunteers and they have been doing everything they can to prepare for their upcoming performance.
The weekly rehearsal space at the Light House in Salford has been described as a ‘stress free zone’ for the ensemble to let loose and have fun.
The choir is open to anyone and the vibrant, friendly and open atmosphere sets the scene for the choirs’ elevating and inspiring performances.
Image credit: Doug Rowarth
Video credit: Doug Rowarth
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