Northampton choir and special guests virtually record carols for Cynthia Spencer Hospice

More than 60 Northampton choristers and two special guests have come together virtually to record a pair of carols for Cynthia Spencer Hospice.

Northampton Male Voice Choir (NMVC) members joined up with soloists Emily Haig and Joshua Daniel to perform Hark the Herald Angels Sing and O Come All Ye Faithful.

The video recordings will be played as part of the hospice's annual Tree of Love service, which will be streamed on social media from December 10 to 15.

NMVC chairman John Waller said: “Lockdown has not diminished the enthusiasm of the wonderful members of the choir who are delighted to be able to contribute to Cynthia Spencer Hospice's important annual Tree of Light service.”

Despite having its live rehearsals curtailed once again by the second coronavirus lockdown, NMVC forged ahead with the project to support the hospice.

The recordings required each chorister to submit a sound and video recording of themselves singing the carols at home before they were mixed together.

The celebrations will be broadcast live on the hospice’s Facebook and YouTube pages at 7.30pm, giving people the chance to remember those they will be missing this Christmas.

NMVC musical director Stephen Bell said: “In recent years in the lead up to Christmas, NMVC has been pleased and honoured to be invited to take part in Cynthia Spencer Hospice’s annual Tree of Light Service.

"Taking part in this year’s virtual service presents an exciting opportunity and challenge for the choristers.

"We are also hoping to broadcast the video on our own YouTube Channel on Christmas Day for anyone missing the opportunity to attend a live carol service on that day.”