Brighton’s premier gospel choir presents ‘FEELIN’ GOOD’ on Saturday, May 21 at the Roedean Theatre, Roedean School, Brighton.
A recent study by Tenovus Cancer Care and the Royal College of Music says that singing in a choir for just one hour boosts levels of immune proteins, reduces stress and improves mood, which in turn can have a positive impact on overall health.
Members of Brighton Goes Gospel (BGG), still going strong in their 16th year, have already worked this out without any formal study. The ‘feel-good factor’ is one of the many reasons membership of the Brighton-based community choir continues to reach record highs.
More than 130 members in two separate choirs (the Workshop Choir and the Performance Choir) are getting ready to share some of what makes them feel good in their forthcoming concerts at Roedean Theatre.
Accompanied by gifted musical director Jason Thompson and The JT Band, and led by internationally renowned gospel choir director, Daniel Thomas, BGG is an all-inclusive community choir in the truest sense, with its eclectic mix of people from all walks of life, all sharing their passion for great music and rich harmonies.
Choir Director, Daniel Thomas is a talented singer-songwriter, vocal coach and producer with many years’ experience in the music industry. As an artist in his own right, he has won audiences the world over with his great vocals and big flamboyant personality, to crowds as large as 100,000 when he performed at Party In The Park.
He has worked with and for artists such as Luther Vandross, Mariah Carey, James Brown, Beverley Knight, and Lionel Ritchie, to name a few. Having worked with BGG for just over a year and a half, he has already earned a reputation before Brighton audiences as probably the most energetic choir director in the business.
Choir member, Karen Muxworthy, says that her family and friends are regular BGG audience members, with some of them confessing they’re equally keen to see Daniel in action as they are to see her perform in the show!
She said: “To be honest, I think Daniel’s fun approach to directing is part of what prompts me to make the 44 mile round trip for rehearsals…” Karen travels from the Uckfield area each week. “I’m sure we do almost as much laughing with Daniel as we do singing, and I think it’s the reason he manages to bring out the best in us as a choir. Then, to hear my own voice blending in harmony with the people around me is something so special. Whatever bad day I might have had disappears by the end of a BGG session, so I guess that’s the ‘feel-good factor’ working for me!”
Choir member, Mary Phippard, a cancer survivor who lives in Newhaven, said: “After my battle I needed something to keep my mind off my struggles and to help me get through the dark days that followed. I joined BGG to give me something to look forward to and as I love music, I thought it would help and I was right!” Mary said. “I may feel tired and low, but after a BGG workshop my whole mood is changed and I leave with a smile on my face. It’s an amazing and uplifting experience.”
To feel good and witness BGG and Daniel Thomas for yourself, concert tickets for May 21 are available in advance from Brighton Dome Box Office, 29, New Rd, Brighton.
They can be purchased by phone on 01273 709 709 or you can book online at www.brightonticketshop.com. Tickets for either the 3pm or 7.30pm ‘Feelin’ Good’ show are priced at £12, £10 and £8. Limited tickets will also be available on the door: All £15.
Event: Feelin’ Good with Brighton Goes Gospel
Where: Roedean Theatre, Roedean School, Brighton.
When: Saturday, May 21
Time: 3pm and 7.30pm
Cost: (plus booking fee) £12 (full), £10 (concessions), £8 (children 16 & under). £15 on the door.
To book tickets online, click here:
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