Drawing on young singers from schools across the borough and beyond, an internationally-renowned gospel choir will stage a night of music performed by hundreds.

IDMC Gospel Choir is bringing hundreds of children aged seven to 15 to the Fairfield Halls stage from Croydon, Lambeth and Wandsworth to perform, writes Nick Hitchens.

Now in its eight year, We Sing U Sing is the brainchild of choir director John Fisher and aims to fire enthusiasm for music and singing in the next generation.

Fisher, who lives in Thornton Heath, says: “Croydon is at the heart of the project, though we do invite schools from outside the borough too, who have heard about the project and ask to be included.

“This is gospel – if you have ever seen a gospel choir I dare you to try and stand still.

“The kids really get into the music and will be doing their thing, and so is the audience. It is such a joyful evening.”

The founder of the choir, which has sung out of the Croydon area for 21 years, said the concept came about after he was invited into his sons’ school, Gonville Academy, to assist with black history month events and developed from there.

Songs have been composed especially for the concert which complement a child’s range, while the main IDMC will also perform and offer harmony.

Fisher says: “We tend to write the majority of our material. The songs are designed for young voices.

“This year we will also be doing a cover of the Beatles All You Need Is Love.

“The great thing you find in rehearsals, is while most of the singers haven’t fully developed their range yet, you find a few with a really mature sound and extraordinary talent.”

Sections of the ensemble have been rehearsing since Easter, and they will all come together on the night for the big concert.

 

We Sing U Sing, Concert Hall, Fairfield Halls, Croydon; July 2, 7pm; £6; www.fairfield.co.uk