November 28, 2024
The joy of music was evident in every note and word – spoken or sang – at Manchester Sings. The heartening sound of 200 voices resonated in the historic walls of Manchester Cathedral, creating an unforgettable experience for everyone present.
Introduced and organised each year by our Director of Music, Mrs Gilly Sargent, our inter-schools partnership event Manchester Sings, has become an eagerly anticipated highlight of the annual calendar for participants, with pupils coming together from schools across the city and beyond to perform in a wonderful hour-long festival of music and poetry before an audience of families, friends and local dignitaries.
Each of the school choirs, guided by Mrs Sargent, had spent many weeks rehearsing separately. But the event – held on Tuesday 26th November – was the first time all the children had come together to sing as one united choral group. An equal number of 29 pupils from the Juniors and Seniors were joined this year on the Cathedral stage by children from Broadfield Primary School (Oldham), Old Moat Primary School (Withington), St Kentigern’s RC Primary School (Fallowfield), St Luke’s C of E Primary School (Bury), West Didsbury C of E Primary School and Whitefield Community Primary (Whitefield).
This year’s theme focused on the enrichment that music brings to life and was perfectly captured in the medley of cheerful upbeat songs which included the rousing singalong anthem ‘Sweet Caroline’, the iconic ‘Do-Re-Mi’, the tuneful melodies of ‘Thank you for the Music’ and as a fitting finale, a jubilant rendition of Kool and the Gang’s ‘Celebration’, as well as the poetry written by the school children.
A selection of this poetry was read during the concert by pupils from across the school groups. It showcased the children’s impressive literary talents and demonstrated how they had fully embraced the spirit of the event.
The Lord-Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, Mrs Diane Hawkins – a former Withington pupil and current Governor – closed the event by praising those involved for their fantastic hard work, their smiles and their enthusiasm. This ‘beautiful concert’ was a ‘wonderful achievement’ she said.
The Lord-Lieutenant was joined by The High Sheriff of Greater Manchester, Dr Eamonn O’Neal DL and his wife, Mrs Sheila O’Neal, The Lord Mayor of Manchester, Councillor Paul Andrews and the Lady Mayoress, Mrs Karen Andrews. The welcome speech was given by Canon Dr Ian Jorysz, Canon Precentor at Manchester Cathedral.
Funds raised during Manchester Sings will go to homeless charity The Booth Centre and the Wood Street Mission which helps local families living in poverty. The event was kindly sponsored by Beaverbrooks, The Jewellers.
Thank you very much indeed to everyone who was able to join us.
The Lord-Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, Mrs Diane Hawkins, with the Manchester Sings Choir
Withington has been awarded the title of Northwest Independent School of the Year for Academic Excellence.
Withington is positioned 39th across all schools in the UK, both state and independent, and top in the North West. We are ranked 35th of all independent schools in the UK.
