Building intergenerational connections at Christmas
12 Choirs of Christmas supports mental health and wellbeing by partnering community groups for people aged 50+ with primary schools across London to create 12 intergenerational choirs. Each choir will be supported by a musical director and have three rehearsals before they perform their Christmas concert in the auditorium at The Old Vic.
Teachers and group leaders will also have the opportunity to attend an additional musical training session to support their professional development.
The concerts are free and open to friends, family and the local community.
Rehearsals
- Once paired up, each primary school and community group will meet for three rehearsals before their concert
- Each rehearsal will last for 90 minutes and can take place at the school, community group venue or at a space hired by The Old Vic
- The Final Performance will be made up of 3 Choirs across 4 shows, each singing two songs (1 chosen by community group and 1 chosen by the school). With two additional singing along songs the choirs sing together and invite the audience to join in too.
- A final on stage rehearsal will take place directly before the concert starts
- Each choir will be supported by a Musical Director
Applications have now closed and will reopen in 2025. Please contact us at ovcommunity@oldvictheatre.com if you have any questions or want to know more about the project.
- This programme is open to any primary school or community group for people aged 50+ in London. You don’t have to be an existing choir, just a class or group who likes to sing
- You will need to be flexible and commit to three rehearsals plus a pre-show final rehearsal
- We are particularly interested in working with schools and groups with limited access to the arts
- This project is fully accessible. We will discuss any access requirements your group may have before the project begins and will ensure appropriate support is in place
- Travel expenses can be claimed if needed
If you have any questions, please contact ovcommunity@oldvictheatre.com.
How will you be pairing the schools and community groups?
We will consider location and group size as well as any availability preferences you may have when pairing schools and community groups. Please say if you are able to travel and or host rehearsals in your school/community venue.
Do we need to be an existing choir?
This programme is open to any primary school or community group for people aged 50+ in London. You don’t have to be an existing choir, just a class or group who likes to sing.
Will you cover travel expenses?
Yes, travel expenses to rehearsals and the concert can be claimed if needed.
Where will rehearsals take place?
Each rehearsal can be hosted by either the school or the community group or The Old Vic can hire a space if needed.
Will it be accessible for people with access requirements?
Yes, this project is fully accessible. We will discuss any access requirements your group may have before the project begins and will ensure appropriate support is in place.
Can friends and family attend the concert?
Yes, schools and groups can invite friends and family to watch. The Old Vic will also invite the local community and Old Vic staff to attend. Each concert will culminate with a choir and audience sing-along.
What songs will we be singing?
Each community group chooses one and school chooses one. With two additional singing along songs the choirs sing together and invite the audience to join in.