Cadogan Hall ‘Remember’ Concert
Rachel Davies • October 8, 2019
The Military Wives Choirs recently performed their concert ‘Remember’ – Live at Cadogan, which featured ten choirs from the MWC network (listed below) on 6th October. They performed beautifully, alongside members of our brilliant musical family including the choirs’ own MDs, Hilary Davan Wetton, Sean Hargreaves, Alexander L’Estrange, Adam Langston and of course Laura Wright.
Arborfield
Benson
Brompton & Invicta
Chicksands
Henlow
Halton
Odiham
Sandhurst
Shorncliffe
South London
Joined by eight talented live instrumentalists including a trumpeter from the Band of the Scots Guards, the evening was a moving commemoration to those that have served for our country, and still serve today. The spoken accounts from our very own ladies blew Cadogan Hall to silence. A life connected to the military is a challenge in more ways than one…
“…it goes without saying, that obviously, literally everything breaks, leaks, and generally goes wrong as soon as our military partners go away!” – Dionne
Every member of the audience was completely in awe of the Military Wives Choirs and the support that comes from being part of such a unique and beautiful charity. The standing ovation that followed chorused throughout, back to the stage where every performer stood proudly alongside their sisters. It was a night to remember.
Director of the National Army Museum, Justin Maciejewski, and guest of our Chair of Trustees, Maggie Pedder, gave his account on the evening;
“The concert was really fantastic and very moving indeed. It brought back to me so many memories of what we all went through together as families, the strength of the military community and also the sheer talent of that community. It made me really proud and also very grateful for all those people up and down the country and abroad who get involved to create music of such beauty and purpose.”
This is the first of what we hope to be the start of many events of this scale, to help spread awareness of those whose lives are directly affected by the uncertainties of military life and the fears that can become a part of it. The Military Wives Choirs have provided women within, and connected to, the military with a family of close friendships forged through singing. With choirs across our the UK and overseas, and which continues to grow, the Military Wives Choirs has become a network sought after by women worldwide. The charity has managed to connect some 2300+ women.
The Military Wives Choirs is the most striking example of a fundamental truth: that singing in a choir changes lives. Nothing is more powerful than the collective strength and passion when they come together to convey something which they live through every day. This concert is absolutely not to be missed.”
– Artistic Director Hilary Davan Wetton
But in such a conflicted world, there are more than 2300 women who have not reached us. The Military Wives Choirs need your support to make sure that no voice is left unheard.
As a household name that is still growing, the best way to support our choirs is through the magic of music. You can purchase our album on Amazon HERE
and all profits go to the Military Wives Choirs registered charity.
Learn more about how you can support us and donate here.
Military Wives Choirs Bids Farewell to Hilary Davan Wetton and Appoints Joanna Tomlinson as the new Artistic Director
A Royal Performance to Remember
We are delighted to have received a letter of thanks from The King, expressing his appreciation for our new single, ‘November Sunday’, a song presented as an early birthday gift to celebrate His Majesty’s forthcoming birthday on 14th November. In the letter, The King said: “I am writing to express my warmest possible gratitude for your very kind early birthday present, in the form of your new single, ‘November Sunday’. While those of us of a certain age may feel the need for any such birthday celebrations is in inverse proportion to our advancing years, I am none the less deeply touched by your wonderfully thoughtful tribute. “I also wanted to thank you for your steadfast support not only for your loved ones serving in our Military, who sacrifice so much time away from you and your families to protect us, but also for one another. “Having sung in a choir myself when I was at school, I know the joy of performing together can create close-knit friendships and support groups, and I remain a firm believer that music has a unique power to unite and inspire us all. My wife joins me in sending you all our blessings and kindest wishes.” ‘November Sunday’, released on 1st November, is a tribute to His Majesty and reflects the strong ties between the Royal Family and the Armed Forces. The song’s evocative lyrics reflect the joy brought to post-war Britain on 14th November 1948, marking the birth of the future King and celebrating the enduring bond with his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. The piece was recorded by 100 singers from the Military Wives Choirs, drawn from the network in the UK and overseas, alongside the magnificent sounds of The Band of the Household Cavalry. With music and lyrics by John McLaren, the track brings together the nostalgia of the 1940s, enhanced by the artistry of platinum-selling producer Sean Hargreaves (Sigala, Paloma Faith, Ella Eyre) and arranger Steve Turner. This cross-genre production offers both the formality of a military ensemble and a bright, pop-influenced appeal. ‘November Sunday’ is available on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube: all links to the project can be found here .
