A newly formed choir set up in Nottingham to help women find their voices is gearing up for DIVA, an uplifting show featuring the best female anthems of all time, taking place at the Royal Concert Hall to celebrate International Women’s Day.
Funded by the Workers’ Educational Association in partnership with Nottingham Women’s Centre, the Women’s Voices choir has doubled in size since launching last summer and will be performing the empowering anthem ‘This is Me’ from The Greatest Showman. The song has become to be recognised as an anthem for outcasts, the marginalized and disenfranchised.
Also joining the 50-piece Limelight Orchestra for the show with a songbook drawing on the classics from Shirley Bassey to Beyoncé on Sunday 8 March will be two upcoming female singers from Nottingham.
With a voice described as ‘beyond her years’, Betsey Bircumshaw is a 17 year old with big powerhouse vocals that pack an emotional punch while her storytelling and raw, jazzy tone are reminiscent of Etta James and Amy Winehouse. Her debut single, “Survive” is out on February 21.
Singer and producer Emily Makis likes deviating from the norm, mixing genres and blending vocal effects, so expect an original performance. After identifying the lack of women in music production, she has been involved with a number of empowering projects, including becoming a part of Nottingham’s ‘First Light’ development label and the ‘Circle of Light’ initiative, a collaborative album championing mental health supported by Youth Music.
Singer songwriter Nina Smith, founder of the First Light label, is hosting and performing on the night. “This is going to be a great show. We’ve got so much to pack in, from the amazing voices of the singers in the Limelight Orchestra to fresh new talent, as well as what is sure to be an inspiring performance from the Women’s Voices choir. Most of all, it’s going to be a lot of fun both for me to take part in it and for everyone who comes along to share in a night of stunning songs and take inspiration from some of the best songs performed by women over the last 50 years.”
Women’s Voices choir leader Lorna Poole agrees: “Female figures in music have always been incredibly empowering for me, particularly female singer-songwriters such as Joni Mitchell, Tori Amos or Kate Bush, to name a few. Their music has helped me overcome many knocks, setbacks and disappointments in life and without their music I don’t think I would be who I am today! Teaching the Women’s Voices singing group is hugely empowering for me, as I get to see the women’s confidence grow each week.”
Choir members agreed, with Candice Davis saying: “Coming to the choir boosts your confidence and it’s good to get out and meet new people. I feel a valued part of the family!”
Janet Blair added: “I never want to leave – shame it’s not longer! I LOVE THE CHOIR!”
Young talent is also represented with Nottingham Girls’ High School Choir performing as the chorus on the evening.
The concert will be raising money for the Nottingham Women’s Centre, which has been working for more than 40 years to help women gain the confidence and skills to achieve their full potential.
Tickets are available to purchase online from the Royal Concert Hall. Prices range from £19.50 to £29.50. Click here https://trch.co.uk/whats-on/diva/
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