‘Voices for Lupus’ promises to inspire

THE stage is set for what is promised to be an uplifting, inspiring and empowering night of song.

 

Tonight at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre, the Hope Foundation will present its annual “Voices for Lupus” Concert featuring an 80 member strong choir, conducted by world-renowned, singer, songwriter, producer, musical director and vocal coach – Mike King.

 

Speaking to The Barbados Advocate ahead of the concert, King revealed that tonight patrons will hear for the first time the song “Voice of Hope”.

 

He explained that within a couple of days, he with the help of his wife Carol, and the added input of other persons with lupus, were able to lyricise this uplifting song which captures the deep feelings and experiences of lupus patients, their families and friends, while expressing their hope for a better tomorrow with the unwavering support of the Hope Foundation.

 

This combined choir, he says is extremely powerful and emotive as they are singing from the heart. The group is made up primarily of lupus patients, friends, and family who are able to verbalise the kind of pain felt, support needed and the ongoing struggle for those who live with the disease.

 

The conductor says it is hoped that this song will be eventually recorded, with an accompanying music video. “However this is just a taste of what is to come,” he smiled knowingly.

 

“I wanted the song to be inspiring. It talks about the struggles – but through the Hope Foundation and through the choir – we have a space that we can get through it together; we can help each other; we have a support network. It is a positive and empowering song, as well as talking about the negative side of living with the illness.”

 

President of the Hope Foundation, Shelly Weir, also commended the work of the committed choir members, who effortlessly learned ten songs in just three weeks, even though many of the choir members will argue that they can’t sing, or haven’t performed for many years.

 

Musing that the tickets for the fundraising event are moving like “hot fish cakes”, she encouraged persons to get any remaining tickets from the Hope Foundation’s office in Belleville. The concert will also feature performances by Nathan Richards, Paula Hinds and the inimitable Stedson “RPB” Wiltshire.

 

Weir urged persons to make their way to the concert for a special surprise on the night, because “something’s happening,” she hinted with a smile. (JH)