Photo by Colin Tennant
Congratulations to Joyous Choir who won the Unique Story Award category. We asked them the following questions.
Tell us more about yourself / the choir
The Joyous Choir see singing as an inclusive and enjoyable activity that celebrates cultural diversity and showcases the many and rich contributions that immigrants make to the cultural life of Glasgow. The group consists of indigenous women – asylum seekers, refugees and other migrant women. Through participating in the choir, they are empowered to openly discuss the issues they are facing and by taking part in public performances they are encouraged to participate and engage in local communities.
How long have you been singing / has the choir been singing together?
Joyous Choir came together in 2013, hosted and organised by Maryhill Integration Network.
What have you/has the choir got planned in the next 12 months?
The Joyous Choir are looking forward to going from strength to strength with our inspiring and talented leader, Penny Stone. We’re also planning a booklet and CD of songs from across the globe gathered from members of Joyous Choir.
What has been the highlight of your / the choir’s singing journey?
Giving voice to women who are often hidden and silenced in every day life.
What got you singing in the first place / why did the choir first start singing together?
The choir grew out a dance-theatre production. The women who took part – from all backgrounds and cultures – expressed a willingness to sing as part of the performances. Forming the choir has given them a voice – and the courage and strength – to speak out about their personal experience. It gives them a safe space to discuss issues and reduces isolation.
How does it feel to be the first winner of the award?
It was an unexpected honor to learn that the Joyous Choir is winner of the Unique Story Award! It will give the choir a feeling of being respected, recognised, equally treated and well supported by Scottish society and will energise and inspire them to get more involved in community life.
What are the choir’s favourite songs?
Joyous Choir sing songs from all over the world – songs that reflect the diversity of the women taking part. Shosholosa, Boomalena, Bella Cia, Freedom, River of the Birds, Wild Mountain Thyme are some of the favourites.
What styles of singing do you / the choir enjoy most?
The members of the choir enjoy singing powerful inspiring songs. Songs of solidarity, friendships, freedom, journeys and dreams.
Read more about choir at their website
http://www.maryhillintegration.org.uk
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