The London Oriana Choir (LOC) is delighted to announce that it will feature on Classic FM’s Drive this Christmas, with a special recording of In the Bleak Midwinter by Norfolk-based Richard Allain.
The group’s recording is one of five winning entries selected for Classic FM’s popular prime-time Drive slot by Classic FM and Making Music, the UK’s membership organisation for amateur music groups.
The five winning entries will be played in the week commencing 7 December, one entry per day.
Dominic Peckham, musical director of the LOC, says: “Over the years, the choir has performed many of Richard Allain’s works. His arrangement of In the Bleak Midwinter has become a firm favourite so we are so pleased that our recording has been chosen for broadcast by Making Music and Classic FM.”
Making Music’s Executive Director Barbara Eifler says: “We were delighted to receive 59 entries from across the UK, showing the breadth and variety of our member groups. All the entries were strong but these five represent the very best and show the UK amateur music scene to be in very good health – we are thrilled that Classic FM is recognising the wealth of talent that is out there this Christmas.”
With almost 5.5million listeners tuning in each week, Classic FM is one of the top three commercial radio stations in the UK. This is an exciting opportunity for the London Oriana Choir and Richard Allain to reach an even wider audience across the UK, and spread some musical joy this festive season.
The broadcast can be heard on Classic FM at 6.20pm on Thursday December 10th. For more information about the London Oriana Choir, or to arrange an interview, please contact Lizann Peppard on peppardpr@gmail.com or call 07887 505831.
For more information about Making Music please contact George Acock, Publications and PR Manager on 020 7939 6041 or george@makingmusic.org.uk
Notes to Editors:
About Making Music
Since 1935, Making Music has been the membership organisation for amateur music in the UK, bringing together musicians and music groups of all genres and abilities. We support, connect and champion everyone who makes, performs and presents music on a voluntary basis. The services we provide allow our members – ranging from symphony orchestras to samba bands – to cross the boring things off their ‘to-do’ lists and get on with making music.
As the voice of amateur music among policy makers and stakeholders at a national and regional level, we aim to transform lives and enrich communities across the UK through music making.
www.makingmusic.org.uk www.facebook.com/makingmusicuk www.twitter.com/makingmusic_uk
About the London Oriana Choir
The London Oriana Choir is one of Britain’s leading and most versatile choral groups with 120 members ranging from 18 to 80 from all walks of life, united in a love of choral singing. The choir has performed in all of London’s major concert halls, cathedrals and churches as well elsewhere in the UK and Europe. As well as performing the more traditional choral repertoire, the choir is often asked to participate in outside engagements and most recently took part in the world premiere of Pete Townshend’s Classic Quadrophenia at the Royal Albert Hall with Alfie Boe and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
The choir’s recording of Richard Allain’s In the Bleak Midwinter features on our new album From Babylon to Brazil: Songs of Love and Devotion, which will be available shortly on CD via our website, and on-line.
www.londonoriana.com