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 assistant facilitator, and have three rehearsals before they perform their Christmas concert at The Old Vic.
Teachers and group leaders also have the opportunity to attend a musical training session to support their continuing professional development.
Each concert at The Old Vic is free and open to friends, family and the local community.
The programme will include:
- A Meet and Greet Workshop: A two-hour event welcoming primary school teachers and community group leaders onto the project. This will be an opportunity to learn more about the 12 Choirs of Christmas programme, meet the choir your group has been paired with and meet the Musical Director and Assistant Facilitator supporting the project
- CPD: A two-hour continuing professional development (CPD) session led by industry professionals. Primary school teachers and community group leaders working on the programme will come together to take part in a practical music workshop providing tips and tricks for leading a choir
- Three 90-minute rehearsals: Each primary school and community group will meet for three 90-minute rehearsals before their concert date. All rehearsals will take place at either the primary school or the community group’s venue (alternatively a space can be hired by The Old Vic if neither space is suitable)
- Concert: Each primary school and community group will be welcomed to the theatre and begin the day with an onstage rehearsal. The final performance will be made up of three intergenerational choirs, each singing two songs (one chosen by the community group and one chosen by the primary school). There will be two additional sing-along songs the choirs will perform together and invite the audience to join in.
Meet and Greet Workshop: Thu 25 Sep, 4.30–6.30pm
CPD session: Tue 21 Oct, 4.30–6.30pm
Rehearsals: Mon 06 Oct–Fri 28 Nov
(Primary schools and community groups will select three 90-minute rehearsals across these eight weeks — excluding the half term holidays: Mon 27–Fri 31 Oct)
Concert: Tues 02–Fri 12 Dec, 10am–1.30pm
(Primary schools and community groups will perform in one concert across these two weeks)
To apply, please complete a 12 Choirs of Christmas application form.
Applications will close on Fri 30 May, 12noon.
Please contact us at 12choirs@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
- Each primary school and community group will have a maximum of 30 students/members
- Groups need to have flexible availability over the programme dates and be able to commit to three rehearsals and one concert date
- We are particularly interested in working with schools and groups with limited access to the arts
- This programme is offered free of charge to primary schools and community groups
- This project aims to be fully accessible. We will discuss any access requirements your group may have before the project begins and ensure appropriate support is in place
- We can adapt rehearsal content to suit your students/group members
- We can bring in additional staff to support students/group members during rehearsals and concerts
- Travel expenses can be claimed if needed
If you would like to discuss any access requirements or if you have any questions before applying, please contact 12choirs@oldvictheatre.com
If you have any questions, please contact 12choirs@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 primary school or the community group (alternatively a space can be hired by The Old Vic if neither space is suitable).
Is the project accessible for people with access requirements?
Yes, this project aims to be fully accessible. We will discuss any access requirements your group may have before the project begins and ensure appropriate support is in place.
Can friends and family attend the concert?
Yes, primary schools and community groups can invite friends and family to watch. The Old Vic will also invite local community members and Old Vic staff to attend. Each concert will culminate in a choir and audience sing-along.
What songs will we be singing?
Each community group chooses one song and each primary school chooses one song. There will be two additional sing-along songs, where the choirs sing together and invite the audience to join in.