RNC’s Wellbeing Choir performs with world-renowned choral director

The College's Wellbeing Choir took to the stage on Saturday 15 June at Holy Trinity Church, for a performance that left the audience and participants alike feeling exhilarated.

Pictured: The group of staff, students and volunteers with Mark De-Lisser at the front

The Choir, formed in February 2024 under the guidance of Singing for Wellbeing Lead Jo Lowry from Encore, brought together RNC staff, students and volunteers for a weekly practice session which would culminate in an exciting concert, led by world-renowned choral director, Mark De-Lisser.

At the concert, the RNC Wellbeing Choir would join forces with three other choirs – The Military Veterans Choir, Herefordshire Youth Choir and Vocalise. On performance day, each choir participated in separate workshops led by Mark, where they learned a selection of new songs including Power of Love [Huey Lewis and the News], John Lennon's Imagine, and the popular gospel song Jesus Promised.

Materials for the RNC Choir were provided in Braille with Mark adapting his teaching style to accommodate its visually impaired participants, who impressed him with their attentiveness, enthusiasm, and infectious energy.

Following the individual workshops, the four choirs came together for a mass rehearsal involving around 100 singers. The performance itself featured several standout moments from RNC students, including Conna Burrows' solo that set the tone with Katie Perry's Firework, Katie Zaple-Davies' captivating solo performance, and Sonali Shah's heartfelt speech of thanks to Mark.

A surprise birthday serenade was delivered by Mark, along with all 100 singers and the audience, for student Matteo Ramsay-Scuderi. A once-in-a-lifetime experience for the young man celebrating his 18th birthday.

Lisa Whitnall who has been instrumental in setting up the choir at RNC said:

‘I cannot tell you how proud I was to be stood up and singing with our RNC Wellbeing Choir on Saturday. Our students, staff and volunteers were a total inspiration and I am beyond humble to be part of this Choir. I have had a lot of text messages from people saying how much they enjoyed the performance. Hopefully we will be able to show you all what we can do again in the near future. Huge congratulations and thank you to everyone who performed, and to those that supported the event.’

Choir Lead, Jo, said:

‘The Mark De Lisser workshop brought singers from all over the community. RNC did an amazing job of showcasing their talents and all students, staff, and volunteers thoroughly enjoyed the day. It has been a pleasure to work with RNC’s Wellbeing Choir and I hope that the choir will continue to develop and grow.’