Earlier this week, music therapy charity Nordoff Robbins hosted their 19th annual Carol Service with readings from supporters Bill Nighy, Anneka Rice and Tara Fitzgerald, and a special performance from 2014 X-Factor winner Ben Haenow and British trumpet soloist Alison Balsom.
The event at St Luke’s and Christ Church Chlesea, which is sponsored by Coutts, was attended by around 900 people and raised vital funds for Nordoff Robbins.
To accompany their mince pies and mulled wine, guests were treated to carols by candlelight, with festive readings from supporters Bill Nighy, Anneka Rice, actress Tara Fitzgerald, Dougray Scott, Tom Hughes and Katherine Parkinson.
Trumpeter, arranger and producer Alison Balsam stunned guests with a sparkling performance of Giuseppe Tartini’s Trumpet Concerto in D major before 2014 X-Factor winner Ben Haenow closed the night with an exclusive set from who recently released his first album, accompanied by his brother Alex on guitar.
Ben recently took time out of his busy schedule to visit the Andrew Lloyd Webber Nordoff Robbins Therapy Centre in Croydon where joined in a music therapy session. Ben said “It was a real pleasure to be part of the Carol service. Nordoff Robbins bring together such a wide demographic of people, and with music you don’t even need to speak the same language.”
