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A new community choir project is launching in Caerphilly and Risca this spring to raise funds for Velindre Cancer Centre.

Organised by Côr Community, the ten-week choir programme will begin in Caerphilly on Wednesday evenings from March 11 at St Martin’s School. The project will culminate in a concert at Caerphilly Workmen’s Hall on Sunday May 17.

A second choir project will also run in Risca, starting on Tuesday evenings from March 17 at St Mary’s Church Hall. This group will perform its final concert at Coleg Gwent’s Crosskeys campus on Saturday May 16.

Organisers say the initiative is open to anyone who enjoys singing, regardless of experience, and aims to bring communities together.

The choirs will be led by music director Jeff Howard, who will attend rehearsals for both the Caerphilly and Risca groups. A vocal coach with more than 25 years’ experience, he has worked with the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, Welsh National Opera, and Welsh National Youth Opera.

He is also an arranger and accompanist, known for collaborations with Only Men Aloud, Bryn Terfel, and Karl Jenkins – and for providing arrangements for BBC’s Songs of Praise.

Participants are asked for a £35 donation for the three-month project, which includes all sheet music, practice tracks and professionally-led rehearsals from the first session through to the final concert.

Previous choir initiatives run by the group have raised more than £100,000 for charities including the Motor Neurone Disease Association (South East Wales), Prostate Cymru, the Rhian Griffiths Forget Me Not Fund, and Velindre Cancer Centre.

During this term, singers will explore a gospel-inspired programme featuring uplifting pieces such as Oh Happy Day by Edwin Hawkins, Never Alone by Anthony G. Evans, and favourites including Lean On Me by Bill Withers.

Organisers say the programme offers an energising and soulful mix of music that is proving great fun to rehearse.

Anyone interested in joining the choir or supporting the concerts can sign up online or contact the organisers on Corcommunity@outlook.com for more information.