Herts and Soul choirs musical one-night stand with big band in Stortford

Its being billed as a musical marriage but its more of a one-night stand. Bishops Stortfords popular Herts and Soul Community Choir are inviting music lovers to witness their union with Cambridges vibrant 15-piece Umbrella Big Band.

The two groups will be teaming up in Stortford on Sunday (Sept 30) to perform a concert of specially arranged swing, jazz and pop numbers by artists and composers including Glenn Miller, George Gershwin, Irving Berlin, Frank Sinatra, the Andrews Sisters, Fats Waller, Ella Fitzgerald, Bobby Darin, Queen, Van Morrison and Michael Buble.

The concert will take place at Herts and Essex High School in Warwick Road in aid of Isabel Hospice, whose volunteers will be serving refreshments at a ‘pop-up’ bar and café.

It will be the latest in a series of regular charity concerts which have raised a total of £37,000 for local worthy causes – including St Clare Hospice, Royal British Legion and Grove Cottage – since Herts and Soul’s inception in 2010.

Their springtime concert – a 1960s and ‘70s themed concert which featured all 100-plus choir members dressed in period costumes – raised £1,300 for Essex and Herts Air Ambulance.

The 130-strong community choir of ‘Soulsters’ is led by the musical directing team of Susie Savage and Peter Clayton. It offers people of all ages and abilities a platform to sing in an encouraging, lively environment whilst also contributing to the local community.

Choir founder Chris Humphreys said: “Singing in a group connects you to something outside normal day-to-day affairs. Our Soulsters can vouch for the affirming experiences, flourishing friendships and sense of wellbeing that can be shared together through singing.

“To pool such a powerful collective energy and channel it into such well-attended concerts, whilst also fundraising for local community causes, is the icing on our choral cake”.

Renee Friend, Isabel Hospice’s community fundraiser, said: “We have always enjoyed a great relationship with Herts and Soul, so we’re really looking forward to working alongside them again, to listen to their stirring sound and to the touch of nostalgia that the Umbrella Big Band will bring to the occasion. It should be a great community atmosphere and venture.”

* Herts and Soul Community Choir and the Umbrella Big Band will perform at Herts and Essex High School on Sunday, September 30 from 6.30pm. Tickets cost £12 for adults, £6 for students and children. Call 07903 009569 or email chrishumph01@gmail.com to book.