Royal Concert Hall to host Phoenix

Apr 16 2009 by Shirley Bartynek, Hamilton Advertiser

THE Glasgow Phoenix Choir will perform live in concert at The Royal Concert Hall on Friday, April 24.

Marilyn Smith will conduct a programme of choral music from all parts of the world to suit all the family. Cameron Murdoch will be depute conductor and piano accompanist.

The event will be the choir's tribute to Scotland's bard in the year of "The Homecoming" celebrating the 250th anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns, and it is appropriate that the choir's guests include Ayrshire Fiddle Orchestra under their conductor Blair Parham and the Glasgow Youth Choir conducted by Audrey McKirdy.

The concert will be a unique occasion for four performers who represent three generations of the same family – Lawson and Ellen Purdie, and their daughter Elizabeth Dingwall who sing with the Phoenix, and Elizabeth's daughter Lindsey who is a member of the Glasgow Youth Choir.

Co-operative Funeralcare's sponsorship means the choir can take on more fundraising concerts for many worthy causes and travel further afield.

The choir has itself raised over £1.5million in the 57 years of its existence – which resulted in the award of the Paul Harris Fellowship from Rotary International.

The Phoenix, with many members from Lanarkshire, is a much travelled choir having toured North America four times and Europe on numerous occasions as well as the British Isles, establishing links with other choirs in many countries.

It rose out of the ashes of the world-famous Glasgow Orpheus Choir and has a combined history of 107 years.

Tickets for The Homecoming at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall cost £5-£15 and are available by calling 0141 353 8000.