North-east community choirs to take centre stage for charity competition
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The Sing Sing Sing competition takes place in the north-east this weekend to raise vital funds for VSA.
Organised by the social care charity, supporting the people of the north-east, and for one night only, Aberdeen’s Music Hall will come alive to the sound of community choirs, hosted by VSA’s honorary president Fiona Kennedy OBE.
Singers of all abilities were invited to practise two songs for three months, supported by VSA, culminating in a single performance - the Sing, Sing, Sing finale where the winning choir will be crowned.
The prestigious judges who will decide on the winning choir include Paul Mealor - Royal composer, Craig Wilson - The Kilted Chef, Lisa Milne – a recognised Scottish soprano from Aberdeen and Kevin Kyle - director of Aberdeen City Music School.
Over the years the event has raised tens of thousands of pounds for the charity.
Renowned Scottish singer Fiona Kennedy has supported VSA for more than 30 years, has been chairwoman and is now an active honorary president of the charity.
Fiona now serves as Deputy Lieutenant of Aberdeenshire and was awarded an OBE in 2002 for her charitable work and music.
The choirs have been supported by Fiona Kennedy, alongside Laura Pike.
Laura graduated from the Northern College of Education in Aberdeen with a Bachelor in Music Education (Hons), and won the Margaret Rutherford Scholarship to study at Mountview Theatre London, majoring in Musical Theatre.
She was lucky enough to fall straight into the role of Phyllis Dicks in Hamish Macbeth after graduating from Mountview, then Liza in the Bondagers and BBC’s Casualty.
Today, Laura continues to direct, MD and perform professionally. Over the last 20 years, she has helped to raise tens of thousands of pounds for many organisations in Scotland and the north-east.
Talking of the event Fiona Kennedy said: “It’s very exciting for both Laura Pike and I to have Sing, Sing, Sing back at the wonderful Music Hall in May.
“It’s a joyful night, but also for all the choirs and singers, a great fun experience whether they have sung in public, or just in the shower before - all were welcomed to join in.
“It’s also so important to raise awareness for those who suffer from mental health challenges and how singing and music can help to turn things around.”
Holly Leiper, head of communications and fundraising at VSA, said: “We are all looking forward to this weekend and it will be an evening not to be missed, with all the money raised supporting VSA and the services we provide throughout the city.
“Thanks to the huge success of events like Sing, Sing, Sing we can continue to offer local people the support they require to enable them to lead the best of lives.
“I want to take the opportunity to thank Fiona and Laura, who spearhead and drive the Sing, Sing, Sing event, for their endless enthusiasm and time commitment.”
She added: “For more than 150 years, VSA has been an essential source of care and support for the north-east of Scotland.
“Our unwavering commitment to meeting the changing needs of the community drives us to provide a broad range of health and social care services that promote the physical, emotional, mental and social well-being of every individual we care for.
“Despite the tremendous challenges that a child, or an adult, can face it is amazing to see that by providing the right support, care, experiences, and opportunities how much a life can change.
“Our work has always depended on the generosity of our amazing supporters.
“We wish all the participating local choirs the best of luck and look forward to welcoming a wonderful supportive audience for an evening of uplifting music and song this weekend.”
Visit the Aberdeen Performing Arts website to purchase tickets.
