Over 150 people from across the city enjoy a spectacular celebration of Family Music
On Sunday 1 July, over 150 people, from families of all shapes and sizes, came together at Turner Sims Southampton for a spectacular celebration of Family Music.
Following six months of free music-making workshops across the city, over 30 performers — including members of Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and rock band Groove Merchant — came together in a morning workshop to put the finishing touches to their performances. An incredible joint finale performance was brought together by workshop leader Neil Valentine, joined by Fiona Funnell, from Family Singing, and Aidan Hampson, from Family Rock Jam.
Starting at midday, the Family Music performers delighted an audience of over 120, which included attendees of all ages, and special guest, Councillor Peter Baillie, the Sheriff of Southampton.
The diverse musical programme included a new composition from Family Orchestra, inspired by the sounds of the waterfront; a capella songs from across the world, with Family Singing being joined on stage by a giant bear for their final song; a rousing performance by Groove Merchant which included a version of Shut Up and Dance With Me; and the debut performance of the collective finale song, only first put together that morning — a phenomenal new Family Anthem, drawing on music inspirations from Coldplay to Sister Sledge!