We caught up with Sharon, Chair of Goldsmiths Choral Union and a member for nearly three decades, to hear the story behind this heartwarming tradition and her thoughts on what’s become a very special partnership.
“Goldsmiths Choral Union was founded over 90 years ago as part of Goldsmiths College by Frederick Haggis,” explains Sharon. “It’s one of the few choirs that stayed in London during the war years, and from the very beginning, the Christmas concert has been a staple in our calendar. In those early days, they used to perform two concerts in one day at the Royal Festival Hall, with busloads of people attending from across the country!”
Today the choir has around 100 members and has built up an enviable reputation. Over the decades, they’ve performed in some of London’s most iconic venues, including the Royal Albert Hall, and collaborated with national charities such as Save the Children. With the retirement of their ticket secretary, who had long-standing ties to the charity, the choir saw an opportunity to select a new charity partner.
A partnership with a personal connection
“I’ve got a personal connection to mitochondrial disease,” explains Sharon. “My cousin’s friends have two grown-up children and they’re both affected. I’ve got to know them well, so I’ve seen the impact first-hand. We wanted to support a smaller charity where we could really make a difference and know exactly where the money was going.”
The decision has led to a successful and heartfelt partnership that’s now in its third year. “The first year we raised over £1,000 just from collections on the night, and we matched that again last year. But it’s not only about the fundraising. The Lily team who join us at the event are so warm and lovely – and the personal appeal really hits home. It’s by someone who’s been directly affected, and people can relate to that.”
Music, community and Christmas magic
The concert takes place at Holy Trinity Church in London’s Sloane Square, a stunning Arts and Crafts church with beautiful acoustics. “It’s such a gorgeous setting,” says Sharon. “When you come out of the tube station, you walk through the square and it’s all twinkly and festive. It has such a special atmosphere and makes you feel like Christmas has officially begun.”
Unlike GCU’s other classical concerts, the Christmas event is designed to be informal and inclusive. “It’s a tradition for people,” continues Sharon. “They want to sing along to the big carols. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing is always a highlight for me. The whole audience joins in, and Holy Trinity has the most amazing pipe organ. When it fills the church, and you can see everyone in front of you singing and smiling, it’s an incredible feeling.”
The choir also uses this concert to showcase its own talent. “We perform a mix of traditional carols and lighter pieces, and even new works written by choir members and solo pieces from scholars young and old,” she adds. “It’s a lovely, homegrown celebration, and we serve mince pies, and also offer wine, to give it a truly festive feeling.”
Growing together
GCU’s partnership with The Lily Foundation has not only supported families affected by mitochondrial disease but also brought new audiences to the concert and new awareness of mitochondrial disease.
“With Lily’s help promoting the event, last year we had our biggest audience in years,” Sharon says. “It’s been wonderful to see how the collaboration has helped raise awareness. Lots of our members hadn’t heard of mitochondrial disease before, and now they’re talking about it and sharing information. It’s opened up so many conversations.”
And that sense of partnership extends far beyond the music. “When the Lily team are there, it feels like they’re part of the choir,” she continues. “Not only do they look great in those striking Lily t-shirts, but they help welcome people, hand out programmes and hold collection buckets – it’s a great opportunity for them to chat to people as they arrive. It’s a big team effort.”
It’s this shared spirit of connection and community that makes the concert such a special date in the calendar – for the choir, for The Lily Foundation and for everyone who comes to share in the music.
Join the celebration this Christmas
This year’s Goldsmiths Choral Union Christmas Carol Concert is taking place at Holy Trinity Church, Sloane Square, London on 19th December at 7.30pm. Ticket price includes programme and mince pie, and all proceeds from the evening’s collection will support The Lily Foundation’s work fighting mito and finding hope for everyone affected.
