Getting by with a little help from their friends
A magical evening for the University Chapel Choir
“They say that university opens up a new world of opportunities but never in my wildest dreams did I think it would lead to something like this.”
Reflecting on his experience of performing solo to a star-studded audience in New York, music student Peter MacPherson is still pinching himself – and with good reason, not least because of an endorsement from a bona fide pop legend.
Peter is one of 35 members of the University’s renowned Chapel Choir, led by acclaimed royal composer and Professor of Composition Paul Mealor, who travelled to the Big Apple in November to perform at the UNICEF Snowflake Ball.
The Ball is renowned as one of the world’s largest charity galas, and an invitation to perform at the event does not come easy.
In recent years the Choir has cemented its reputation with a string of high-profile performances at home and abroad, including at the Royal Albert Hall as part of the BBC Proms.
This prompted the invitation to join world-famous singer Sheryl Crow to perform a Beatles medley in honour of Sir Ringo Starr, who was receiving the George Harrison Humanitarian award for his charitable work.
“It was quite unbelievable,” said Peter. “Sir Ringo Starr was at the table closest to the stage and I had to try so hard not to look at him during the performance to keep my concentration.”
“When we finished he stood up and said ‘that was awesome’. To receive comments like that from a Beatle when you’ve just sung one of their songs is mind blowing, and something I will hold with me for the rest of my life. I also got to sing a George Harrison song, My Sweet Lord, to his widow which was very moving.”
The Choir’s visit to New York was made possible by the support of the University’s alumni and donors, which Peter said made it all the more important they put in the performance of a lifetime.
“Being asked to sing the solos was a great honour but I also felt huge pressure and a responsibility to ensure that I did the Choir and the University proud."
“I was the only one to perform without music which made me a bit anxious, but the Choir were all amazing. We are a close-knit group – we always start every rehearsal with a group hug – but in New York that really shone through.
“To have an opportunity to experience something like this really is the chance of a lifetime, and to be able to share the experience with a group of your friends is something that none of us will ever forget.”
Choir Manager Pavlina Skodova, who is studying towards an MSc in Strategic Studies and International Law, said the trip helped her feel connected to those who have gone through the University experience before her.
“Today’s Chapel Choir members are the successors to the University’s first choir appointed in 1495, and it’s a huge privilege to be a part of this wonderful heritage, and to represent the University internationally.
“It was an honour to perform at the Snowflake Ball and at other exceptional venues during our trip to New York, including the British Consulate and the Cathedral of St John the Divine.
“I am extremely grateful to our benefactors and to the University for this once in a lifetime opportunity. These are memories I will cherish forever.”
Peter added that the welcome the Choir enjoyed in New York showed him just how far the support for the University stretches.
“Opportunities like this only exist because people remember their time at University, and the connections they made here,” he said.
“We are all so thankful that our alumni and donor community give back to help us achieve our dreams.”
