08/08/2024
Music enthusiasts and community members, mark your calendars for an enchanting evening at Durham School Chapel on Saturday, September 28th!
As part of its centennial celebrations, the Chapel will host "The Great Big Sing," a concert series that kicks off with a spectacular performance by the Miami Garage Choir. This event promises a night filled with captivating melodies and powerful voices, all in support of a noble cause.
The Choir: Miami Garage Choir
The Miami Garage Choir is not your average vocal ensemble. Comprising 32 talented voices from across the United States, the islands, and Germany, this choir is a melting pot of cultures and musical traditions. Their diverse repertoire ranges from classical pieces to contemporary hits, ensuring there's something for everyone to enjoy. The choir's mission is to spread joy through music, and their performances are known for their vibrant energy and emotional depth.
Special Guests
This concert will be graced by the presence of some exceptional guest artists:
Rae Melton
Raeford "Rae" Melton is a man with a mission: to share his love of music with the world.
His soulful tenor-baritone is reminiscent of the Sunday morning Southern Baptist gospel tradition, with his own take on contemporary and traditional gospel songs. Raised in Greensboro, N.C., Rae grew up singing in church choirs. While attending college, Rae was asked to take up the banner as the choral director and soloist for the Saint Paul Baptist Church choir in his hometown. He relocated to Miami, Florida, where he is now a regular featured soloist with Unity on the Bay church in South Florida. Rae performs with The Motowners and shares his talent with music lovers across the U.S.
Dr. Julie Silvera
Whether fronting a swinging rhythm section, big band or orchestra, Silvera is adept, sophisticated and musical. Her passion is the music, she sings and swings from the heart. One critic says, “Listen to the honey – no, the molasses – of her tone…. Just when you cozy into her velvet sound, she growls out a line that is motivated purely by swing. Phrasing around the rhythm and landing in the pocket, she swings, and swings hard.”
Nick Bright
Classically trained, Nick Bright has been performing in and directing choirs in the U.S. and throughout Europe for 30-plus years. So it’s no surprise that his life is encompassed by music; it essentially feeds his soul! For him, there is nothing greater than giving a choir a piece of music, leading rehearsals, watching and listening to them rise to the challenge. A lover of most musical styles, Nick says, “The challenge is creating and arranging music, which everyone will enjoy; not just the audience but the choir and the orchestra. The objective is not only to make great music but to have fun!”.
Nick is an Old Dunelmian - a former pupil of Durham School, and we are delighted to welcome him back to the Chapel after many years of performing and touring around the world.
The Venue: Durham School Chapel
Steeped in history and architectural grandeur, Durham School Chapel is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. Built as a memorial to the Great War, the Chapel has long been a cornerstone of the school community, providing a serene space for reflection, worship, and extraordinary musical performances. The centennial concert series is a testament to the Chapel's enduring legacy and its role in bringing people together through the universal language of music.
Get Your Tickets
Tickets for "The Great Big Sing" are priced between £10 and £25, making this extraordinary event accessible to a wide audience. Whether you're a long-time supporter of the Durham School Chapel, a fan of choral music, or someone looking to support a meaningful cause, this concert is an event you won't want to miss.
Join us for an unforgettable night of harmony and hope at Durham School Chapel. The Great Big Sing with the Miami Garage Choir is more than just a concert; it's a celebration of community, charity, and the timeless power of music. See you there!
For tickets, please go to: https://gbs2024.dcsf.org.uk
