The winners of the Museums at Night competition, Rochdale Pioneers Museum and Touchstones Rochdale are preparing to welcome Susan Forsyth's Zusammen Choir to Rochdale on May 16.
The two museums are planning to involve the whole community in the candlelit choir procession around Rochdale Town Centre; and are inviting suggestions for songs.
Susan Forsyth’s Zusammen Choir translates as “Together” and consists entirely of members of the general public and community groups who come together to sing for one night only. It has sung in London, Lisbon and Warsaw. Zusammen will be accompanied by community bands, including Littleborough Brass Band.
The choir will stop to sing at local landmarks including Broadfield Park Bandstand, the Rochdale War Memorial and Toad Lane, the place of birth of Rochdale Pioneers Museum, and St Mary in Baum Church.
The museums are asking people to come up with ideas of well known songs to be sung during the procession. The most popular suggestion has been “Sing as you go” by the late Rochdale-born actress and singer, Gracie Fields. Other popular songs that have been proposed are Lisa Stansfield’s “All around the world” and “Jerusalem”.
Song suggestions can be sent by emailing [email protected] or by tweeting using the hashtag #SingRochdale. The deadline for sending song suggestions is Wednesday 24 April.
The procession begins at 6:15 pm and will end around 745 at Rochdale Pioneers Museum. All those who want to join the choir can meet at Rochdale’s St Chad’s Church at 6pm. The museums are also asking community members to help to run the event. All those willing to help in the organisation can express their interest by sending an email, calling 01706 524920 or joining the event’s Facebook page.
• For more information on the event go to www.rochdalepioneersmuseum.coop/event/singrochdale
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