16th October 2014
For immediate release.
With World AIDS Day approaching, a group of Brighton & Hove LGBT choirs and musicians have announced that they will again be joining forces to put on a fundraising concert called “We All Live Together: A Concert For World AIDS Day”. Funds raised from the concert will be in aid of Lunch Positive who will also be serving home made mince pies and mulled wine on the night.
The concert will take place at St Mary’s Church in Kemp Town Brighton on 1st December at 7.30 pm (allowing time for those attending the Candelight Vigil close by from 6pm-7pm at the AIDS Memorial statue on New Steine to pop along the road too). “We All Live Together” will feature performances by the Brighton Belles Women’s Chorus, Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus, Rainbow Chorus, Resound Male Voices and Qukulele.
Shortly after hearing the news, Gary Pargeter from Lunch Positive issued the following statement: “We’re overjoyed at the support from the choirs and music groups at this year’s World AIDS Day Concert. It means so much to have the support of so many groups and performers at this important event, and really proves that we are community in togetherness. Our forthcoming year at Lunch Positive will be spent helping a growing number of people and aiming to reach people who do not easily access services. The proceeds from this year’s World AIDS Day concert will make a huge difference in all that we do. Thank you from our members and volunteers.”
Various leaders from the participating choirs and groups also commented on what “A Concert For World AIDS Day: We All Live Together” means to their organisations:
Deborah Wolf, Chair of the Brighton Belles Women’s Chorus, “The Brighton Belles love being part of a community that comes together with love, joy and music to help those who need a hand. When you are a certain age (as most of our choir are) you have almost certainly lost some-one you care about to HIV/AIDS and know many close friends living with it in their lives. World AIDS Day is a celebration, a remembrance and a reminder of the present also. We are honoured to join our friends as one voice.”
Paul Charlton, Chair of Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus, said: “World AIDS Day represents many things to many people, in particular the many challenges that HIV/AIDS has presented to so many of us over the years. Working as part of a choir, you become very aware of not only what can be achieved when we all work together, but also how important it is that we find ways of doing so. Perhaps then we can somehow empower ourselves to each face life’s inevitable challenges with some sense of optimism and hope.”
Finola Brophy, Chair of the Rainbow Chorus said “As the only local LGBT choir the Rainbow Chorus is delighted to be performing for World AIDS Day alongside other Brighton choirs. This is such an important event in our year raising awareness and celebrating the lives of those living with and affected by HIV as well as remembering those who have died. We’re delighted that all proceeds will go to Lunch Positive who do such great work.”
Scott Roedersheimer, Chair of Resound, said ”Resound Male Voices is delighted to once again be participating in the annual World Aids Day Concert to raise much needed funds and awareness. We stand in solidarity with our fellow singers in the knowledge that we make the greatest possible impact when our many individual voices join together.”
Seffy Sefton-Smith from LGBT ukulele/harmony band “Qukulele”, said “Qukulele are delighted to perform at “We All Live Together” again this year and help support such a deserving charity. It’s great fun to get together with the other choirs, and the group number at the end always leaves us feeling very warm and fuzzy!”
For more information, please visit www.BrightonWADconcert.info. Tickets cost £5 and will be available to buy online from 1st November or in person from Prowler on St James. Its highly recommended to buy tickets in advance, but a small number will be retained to buy on the door on the night.
LISTINGS IN BRIEF:
TITLE: A Concert For World Aids Day: We All Live Together
DATE: 1st December 2014
VENUE: St Mary’s Church, St Georges Road, Kemptown, Brighton
TIME: Doors Open 7pm for 7.30pm start. Mulled Wine and Mince Pies available!
TICKETS: Cost £5 each and will be available to buy online from 1st November at www.BrightonWADconcert.info, in person from Prowler on St James St and a small number will be retained to buy on the door.
FUNDRAISING: All proceeds to Lunch Positive
PERFORMERS: The Brighton Belles, Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus, Rainbow Chorus, Resound Male Voices and Qukulele
ENDS