Classical Oxjam delight in Oxford

An extraordinary singalong concert took place in Oxford on the autumn evening of 8 October. This singalong took place not in a karaoke bar, not in a dark cinema, but in the grand Sheldonian Theatre with hundreds of seats. Volunteering musicians and singers sang out loud Handel’s ‘Messiah’ to raise money for Oxfam.

 

 

The event organiser Suzy Smith spent lots of time and work in the past few months to put together this big concert, with help from Oxford Sinfonia and many volunteering musician and singers. Many had never played on the stage or sung in a big choir. The performers gathered at 11.00am and practiced Handel’s masterpiece all day long, then put on a remarkable show in the evening. Kim and I from the Oxjam team attended this event and said a few words at the beginning of the concert. We were really touched to see the effort all the musicians and singers went to in order to make this event happen.

 

 

 

 

When the choir sung the last ‘Amen’ and the orchestra finished the last note, it was clear that everyone had an amazing time, and that to many this was a brand new musical experience.