The future of a much-loved and valued resource supporting cancer patients and cancer survivors hangs in the balance as Bolton Cancer Voices continues its search for a new musical leader.
The pressure is on to find an exceptional individual with the professional skills and experience together with the necessary personal attributes to inspire, guide and challenge them going forward. The ideal candidate will have experience of conducting amateur Choirs, a broad and diverse knowledge of choral repertoire and a commitment to the delivery of musical excellence in a fun and inclusive way.
The region’s unique Choir formed in 2012 and is open to anyone over 18 years old who has received a cancer diagnosis of any type, at any time. The Choir offers an informal forum to meet with others in a similar situation and benefit from mutual support and understanding around the many challenges cancer can bring along the cancer pathway and beyond to survivorship and for many it has proved an important part of their journey: the Choir are proud to have been a trailblazer when it comes to harnessing the therapeutic benefits of singing, particularly within the social setting of a Choir, which are increasingly recognized as being many and varied and can impact on physical, mental and emotional well-being.
Though cancer brings this special Choir together it is not allowed to define or restrict them: like any other community Choir they focus on their love of singing, having fun experiences that challenge or inspire, learning and entertaining others.
Over the years the Choir has gone from strength to strength in terms of musicality, achievements, confidence and numbers: their many highlights include an annual ‘Jingle Bell Sing-A-Long’ concert at the Victoria Hall to which, they have welcomed guest bands including Besses Boys’ Band and the Greater Manchester Police Band; recording a CD; being featured on BBC Northwest Tonight, ITV Granada Reports and That’s Manchester; appearing at Manchester Cathedral; their 5th Birthday concert with guests Salford Symphony Orchestra and Affetside Choir; a joint venture with the legendary ‘Houghton Weavers’ and participating in the ‘Festival of Brass and Voices’ at the Royal Albert Hall, London.
With well-publicised cancer backlogs and a growing waiting list of people keen to join them, the Choir are desperate to be up and running again so they can be there for people when needed.
Karen Elliott - Founder& Chair said: "The situation we find ourselves in is heart breaking! First we were severely impacted by Covid and endured a long period apart, conscious of the vulnerability of most of our members and just at the point of us looking to reunite we received the devastating news that our wonderful and talented Musical Director would reluctantly be stepping down on health grounds.
"It’s hard to put in to words exactly what the Choir means to our members but its loss is being acutely felt.
"No one knows better than our members that receiving a cancer diagnosis can be life-changing but being part of Bolton Cancer Voices can be life-affirming. Our members are truly amazing; they seize the day and live life to the full no matter what their story. This is a wonderful opportunity to be part of something very special! We know the right person, who appreciates our ethos, is out there somewhere; we just need to connect with them.
"We’re tremendously proud of all we’ve achieved to date and look forward to scaling new heights under the baton of our next maestro’"
Enquiries pertaining to the position of Musical Director or membership of the Choir are through Karen on 01204 595562 / 07773 164235