If you are looking for an evening of uplifting, feel-good music in these uncertain times, then the Oxford Gospel Choir’s Melodies from Heaven, at the Cornerstone Arts Centre in Didcot for two nights, might be just what you’re looking for. The programme of gospel and popular songs is guaranteed to have you clapping your hands and tapping your feet — and you will almost certainly leave wanting more.
“There’s something for everybody — it’s a family event,” says Jules Francis, who joined the choir in 2004 and has been choir director since 2005. “We encourage everybody to come along. It’s a multi-faith choir so it’s not with a religious tone or anything. It’s just because we love gospel music — we’re not affiliated to any church.
“We’ve never performed at the Cornerstone before. In fact, it’s the first time we’ve performed out of Oxford, which has always been our comfort zone in terms of performances. We want to get a wider audience, so we’re really hoping people will come and check us out.”
The choir was formed in 2003, and now has more than 70 members. There is also a smaller, auditioning choir, which has performed at a number of prestigious events, and on television programmes such as All Star Mr & Mrs, Ready Steady Cook and Last Choir Standing. They also perform at weddings, churches, competitions and community and charity events.
The choir is always keen to support local charities, and the Cornerstone concerts will help Didcot charity TRAIN, which offers help and education for homeless and disaffected youngsters in the Didcot area. For more information, visit www.didcottrain.org.uk.
Melodies from Heaven is on July 9 and 10, and there will be a free performance outside the Cornerstone on Saturday (July 3) at noon. Box office: 01235 515144; www.cornerstone-arts.org. For more information visit www.oxfordgospelchoir.org.uk
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