A NEW singing group has been raising money for charity culminating in a concert.

Members of the Men United in Song (Worcester) project performed for family and friends at the city’s Swan Theatre last Saturday.

They will now head to Nottingham to join with other choirs amounting to up to 400 singers in total to perform at the Albert Hall Conference Centre on Saturday, May 25.

The group has impressed with its “energy, enthusiasm and dedication”.

Co-ordinator Art Shrimpton said: “I have been collaborating closely with the chair of Worcester Male Voice Choir (WMVC), Graham Heath.

“The Men United in Song (MUIS) project is the brainchild of a singing organisation called Peterborough Sings who manage three choirs in their region.

“Over the last decade they have developed a singing challenge that enables men who like to sing, often in the shower or in their shed, to come together and, with professional training over 10 weeks, learn eight songs in four-part harmony, culminating by performing them at a concert for their family and friends.

“Along their journey they are raising money for the charity Prostate Cancer UK which directly or indirectly affects many men in their lives.

“Peterborough Sings were able to get Arts Council England support and in 2024 offered the opportunity to a handful of choirs in England, including WMVC.

“They provided a comprehensive project plan and all the promotional materials needed and have continued to mentor the WMVC core team throughout the project. At the outset, and to find out which section each participant would be placed in (tenors, baritone or bass), participants underwent a voice test and then rehearsals began in early March with a cohort of 70 enthusiastic singers.

“At their last rehearsal there were still 70 men singing!

“It was a joint WMVC/MUIS rehearsal when the combined choirs could sing through the whole concert repertoire together.

“The combined MUIS/WMVC choirs will now journey up to Nottingham to join with the four other participating choirs, with probably 300 to 400 singers on stage, to perform the repertoire at the Albert Hall in Nottingham.

“The MUIS choir has been trained by the WMVC music director Scott Wolfenden, ably assisted by accompanist James Jarvis.

“Members of WMVC have provided invaluable support along the way by attending the MUIS rehearsals.

“One thing that has impressed everyone involved has been the energy, enthusiasm and dedication of the group.

“Quite a few of the men have had a brush with prostate cancer and feel they want to give something back whilst others have discovered a new and addictive hobby!

“The buzz of men singing in harmony is the joy felt when producing a terrific sound and at the same time providing great entertainment for family and friends.”