Beautiful singing for the Big Hour

Ladies choir Bel Canto is supporting Guernsey Motor Neurone’s The Big Hour campaign with an hour of music on Saturday 15 February at the Town Church.

The choir joins hundreds of islanders who are giving one hour or more of their time to host, teach or take part in an array of events throughout the month of February.

The 25-strong choir organised the concert to support the work fellow that musician Jean Owen is doing for her Big Hour campaign.

Bel Canto’s conductor Christine Anthony has put together a programme that showcases the choir’s extensive repertoire. The concert will include pieces from a range of genres including early Latin pieces, songs from the English repertoire and finishing with a set of more modern pieces from the likes of Billy Joel and Adele.

‘We wanted to make sure that we filled the hour with music that both uplifts and brings a smile to people’s faces,” said Christine.

“As soon as Jean Owen launched her campaign the girls and I were keen to do something to support her and the Guernsey Motor Neurone charity. It is a cause close to my and many of the girls’ hearts.

“All of them have come through the Guernsey Music Service and know Sam Holland who was diagnosed with motor neurone disease last year. She has had great support from Guernsey MND and by organising this concert we are hoping to raise as much as we can for the charity.”

Accompanying the choir is pianist Anthony Tennant. Violinist Jacob Wright will also be performing.

The concert is kindly sponsored by Sovereign. It takes place at 7.30pm on Saturday 15 February at the Town Church.

Tea, coffee and cakes will be served in the church after the concert. It is free entry with a retiring collection for the Big Hour.