The health and well-being impact of singing in a Choir is increasingly being recognised and one North West Choir has been a fore-runner in harnessing the power of song to support cancer patients and cancer survivors.
Established in June 2012, Bolton Cancer Voices is one of the country’s few dedicated Choirs for people living with and beyond cancer. Membership is open to anyone over eighteen years old, who has received a cancer diagnosis of any type at any time. There are no geographical restrictions, as long as people can get to Bolton for rehearsals on Monday evenings: membership is free; there’s no requirement to read music and no auditions to worry about.
With a current membership of forty, the Choir is keen to add more new voices to their ranks: whether you’re a seasoned performer or simply enthusiastic to give singing a try, they’d love to hear from you.
Karen Elliott – Founder & Chair said: –
We’re a really friendly Choir; everyone is assured a warm welcome. People choose to join us at different points in their cancer journey: some at the point of their diagnosis, some at completion of treatment: others are living with cancer as a chronic disease or are many years on from the period of their illness.
Members appreciate having an hour and a half when their head is filled with the next note, the next song or the next concert; rather than their next treatment, next scan or next result. However, rehearsals do provide an invaluable opportunity for those living with or beyond cancer to benefit from meeting others in a similar situation. For many the Choir has proved an important part of their journey and we are delighted that we can be there for people in our own positive, innovative way.
Now is the ideal time for people to join, as we’re just starting the Christmas programme in preparation for our annual ‘Jingle Bell Sing-A-Long’ concert in the Victoria Hall, Bolton, on Saturday 7th December.
This is a wonderful and unique opportunity to be part of something very special.’
Whilst a cancer diagnosis is the only criterion for membership of Bolton Cancer Voices, the disease is certainly not allowed to define or restrict this inspirational Choir, who last year thrilled in their participation in a concert at the world-renowned Royal Albert Hall, London.
The Choir usually undertake between six to eight concerts / appearances each year alongside various other choral activities such as workshops: they are continually looking to identify new opportunities to challenge, develop and excite their members.
To see more of their story go to www.boltoncancervoices.org.uk / Facebook – Bolton Cancer Voices or Twitter@VoicesBolton.
Anyone interested in joining the Choir should contact Karen on 01204 595562 / 07773 164235