Refugees enjoy a night of beautiful music-making in Shrewsbury
A candlelit concert in St Chad's by internationally-renowned Ex Cathedra raised over £1,000 for charity - and also welcomed 15 refugees who have found a safe haven in Shrewsbury.
Refugees from all over the globe were invited to a special Christmas by Candlelight concert in St Chad's Church Shrewsbury, raising over £1,000 for charity.
The audience included 15 people who have found refuge in Shrewsbury this year, assisted by Shropshire Supports Refugees. Many have experienced suffering and persecution in war torn countries, including Ukraine, Afghanistan and Iraq, and have found safe lodging with host families in our county, or are being accommodated in hotels.
They were invited by organisers The Shropshire Music Trust to enjoy free tickets to the Ex Cathedra 'Christmas Music by Candlelight' concert in St Chad's Church on Friday. The audience enjoyed spellbinding, high quality Christmas music from this Birmingham-based, internationally-renowned group of singers led by founder Jeffrey Skidmore, including music by Ralph Vaughan Williams, Bruckner, Byrd, JS Bach and Adolphe Adam. The concert raised £1015.50 in aid of Shropshire Supports Refugees.
David Waterhouse, Chairman of The Shropshire Music Trust, said: "We were delighted to extend our invitation to refugees in Shropshire to enjoy a sublime evening of music in Shrewsbury. We wanted to show our solidarity with people who are escaping conflict and persecution in their home countries and who have left their own friends, community and livelihoods behind. We hope to make them feel welcome and part of our community here in Shrewsbury."
Amanda Jones, CEO and founder of Shropshire Supports Refugees, said: "As an Ex Cathedra fan myself, I was over the moon to be able to share this with some of the refugees that have come to live in Shrewsbury.
"Shrewsbury has always been so inclusive to people seeking Sanctuary and we are eternally grateful for any groups and organisations such as the Shropshire Music Trust who reach out and offer thoughtful and offers like this that give a clear message that they are welcome in our community.
"With the arrival of so many visitors in such a short time, fundraising has been a priority for us in the past few weeks. This money will help us in so many ways. We are very grateful."
