200 young local singers to join the UK’s most ambitious youth music programme at Blackburn Cathedral for ‘A Grand Georgian Christmas’

The concert, which will take place in the stunning surroundings of Blackburn Cathedral on Tuesday 3rd December will involve young singers from Canon Slade Secondary School Choir, Crompton House Chapel Choir, St James's CE School Chamber Choir, Bury Church of England High School, Bolton St Catherine's Academy, Laurus Cheadle Hulme and Priestnall School.

Led by Artistic Director Paul McCreesh, ‘A Grand Georgian Christmas’ is Gabrieli’s most ambitious tour to date, involving around 5,000 late-primary and secondary school students as part of Gabrieli Roar.

Gabrieli Roar is a partnership between Gabrieli and a network of school, church and youth choirs from all over the UK. The young singers are trained to perform side-by-side with professional musicians, enabling them to discover the brilliance of classical music from within. The programme breaks down barriers and has been described as “completely transformational” by many of those involved.

Issy Rainey, a young singer involved in Roar said “Missing out on Roar would make me a very different person. Initially, I was unsure about joining as I have no classical training and I don’t attend a fancy school - but Roar has completely changed my view on choral music. It can be so fragile, but so powerful. I feel so proud to be involved. It’s an incredible experience. I wish it could last longer, I can never get enough of it.”

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Concert-goers will find themselves transported back in time to the vibrant ambience of Georgian Christmas festivities in country and parish churches. The programme traces the Christmas story through four distinct chapters - The Promise, The Shepherds, The Manger and The Angels. It includes carols, hymns and anthems by composers including Handel, Haydn and many lesser-known figures. The massed choirs will be joined by a colourful ensemble, featuring many old instruments which would have been heard in church bands in the 18th and 19th centuries - including two very rare serpents.

Carolyn Baxendale MBE, Greater Manchester and Blackburn with Darwen Music Hub Lead said “We are very excited to be working with Gabrieli Roar, for the first time this year! Making music alongside professional musicians, singing with choirs from across our region, and the chance to perform in the beautiful Blackburn Cathedral – what a fantastic opportunity! This is not something we would have been able to achieve without great partnerships.”

Book tickets to ‘A Grand Georgian Christmas’ at Blackburn Cathedral.