THE leaders of a choir are bringing songs from all around the world to their base in Pershore.

The Move On Up Community Choir was established eight years ago and is now based at the Number 8 Community Arts Centre.

The choir now has more than 40 members from all around Worcestershire and strongly believes that people should celebrate their 'natural' voice rather than training to an 'ideal of perfection'.

Chrissie Leaney, who runs the choir alongside Liz Hooper, said there are some exciting projects coming up for the choir, which is always looking for new members — especially men.

"We have performed at over 50 events in Gloucestershire, Warwickshire, Worcestershire at every kind of event, from from informal festivals to ticketed charity concerts.

"We work to promote the joy of community singing. The choir is part of national network of choirs run by ‘Natural Voice ‘practitioners, which is all about celebrating the voice you were born with.

"There are many benefits of singing together, including the development of a strong supportive community of friends. In terms of health benefits, singing improves breathing and can help those with COPD, Alzheimers, depression, anxiety and bipolar disorders because it releases endorphins.

"Our most recent event was Carols at the Castle at Sudeley Castle where we sang in the spot-lit ruins of the Banqueting Hall. We will shortly be performing in the spectacular setting of Croome Court."

Although singers don't need to be able to read music, they do need to come with an open mind to embrace a more unusual selection of songs.

Chrissie said: "We have a repertoire of more than 90 songs from all around the world, including music from South Africa, Kenya, Ireland, Spain, Hawaii, Japan and Russia. And the UK, of course.

"I grew up in Kenya, sang in choirs there and was immersed in African harmonies from an early age. I have always been involved with music, and was lucky enough, with Liz, to be bequeathed two community choirs when the then choir leader emigrated to New Zealand. I have taught children and adults, in schools, day centres and abroad in language schools.

"Liz was born in Kenya and later lived in Zambia and loves the warmth of the African sound.

"Our choir members have embraced the challenge of learning songs from around the world, in different languages. We learn something of their culture, and hope we can, in performance, transport people to places — whether it be to the frozen steppes of Finland with the reindeer and the Saami people, or to the dusty plains of South Africa."

The choir will perform at the Church of Saint Mary Magdalene in the grounds of Croome on Saturday, May 16.

Regular meetings take place on Monday evenings from 7.15pm until 9pm during term-time.

For more information visit www.moveonupchoir.wix.com/landcchoirs or call Chrissie on 01386 552736.