Exciting chance to sing in spectacular concert at Harrogate Convention Centre - here's everything you need to know

Harrogate Symphony Orchestra and Harrogate Choral Society are joining forces in an ambitious fundraising project in aid of Harrogate Hospital and Community Charity.
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All profits from a special showcase concert, The Harrogate Proms, will go directly to the charity. The concert will be staged at the Harrogate Convention Centre on June 27, starting at 7.30pm, and will be compèred by BBC Look North’s Harry Gration.

Audiences from the annual Harrogate Christmas Concert held in the Convention Centre will already know that the combined talents of the Harrogate Symphony Orchestra and Harrogate Choral Society already promise a uniquely enjoyable event, but this proms concert will extend the enjoyment even further, with a special invitation to the people of Harrogate to take part and be part of a spectacular choir.

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Assistant music director of the Harrogate Choral Society, Marilynne Davies, said: “We want to bring together all local singers who share a love of choral music, and we are looking for 400 singers for a specially formed choir, ‘Voices for Harrogate.'

Harrogate Choral Society and Harrogate Symphony Orchestra are teaming up for the concert.Harrogate Choral Society and Harrogate Symphony Orchestra are teaming up for the concert.
Harrogate Choral Society and Harrogate Symphony Orchestra are teaming up for the concert.

"All local groups have already received an invitation to participate in the event, but there are spaces in particularly for tenors and basses."

The concert, conducted by Andrew Padmore from Harrogate Choral Society and Bryan Western from Harrogate Symphony Orchestra, will feature a feast of operatic and Proms favourites, as well as other popular works such as Carl Orff’s O Fortuna, Verdi’s Grand March from Aida, Handel’s Zadok the Priest, Jenkins’ Suite from The Armed Man, and Rutter’s Look at the World.

All this, as well as favourite Proms items and the traditional audience participation with flag waving and hooters, is set to guarantee a memorable evening for all.

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Bryan Western said: “What an occasion this will be: to sing with a huge choir, a full 100-strong symphony orchestra in Harrogate’s premier venue and, at the same time, to raise much-needed funds for our local district hospital.”

The concert is set to be a highlight of Harrogate's events calendar this year.The concert is set to be a highlight of Harrogate's events calendar this year.
The concert is set to be a highlight of Harrogate's events calendar this year.

Successful applicants will be asked to make a non-returnable donation - which will go directly into the fundraising account, of £10 per adult and £5 per student donation. Concert participation will require attendance at some Wednesday evening rehearsals at Christ Church, starting after Easter.

Business development and Charity Manager of Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust, Sammy Lambert, said: “I am absolutely delighted that HSO and HCS have chosen Harrogate Hospital and Community Charity as their charity of the year.

"To have a dedicated concert on top of this is the icing on the cake. We fund specialist equipment above and beyond the provision of the NHS and want to express our thanks for this fantastic support. We are so excited about the Harrogate Proms being performed for the benefit of our very special charity.

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"This will be an event not to be missed, and the funds raised from this incredible evening will make a huge difference to patients and their families.”

Conductor Bryan Western.Conductor Bryan Western.
Conductor Bryan Western.

Places in the choir are limited, so will be on a strictly first come first served basis. Application forms are available on the HCS and HSO websites: www.harrogatechoral.org.uk and www.harrogateorchestra.org.uk

More details about ‘Voices for Harrogate’ are available by contacting Emma on 07935 719996 or emailing [email protected]

To make the evening a huge success, sponsorship is needed from businesses or individuals. If you are interested in supporting this event, email [email protected] for more information.

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Tickets are now on sale at £25 and £15, with students half price, and 14s and under free when accompanied by an adult. The tickets are available from the Harrogate Box Office on 01423 502116 or online at: www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk