Carol concert organised by Hampstead musical heavyweights will raise money for Marie Curie
Conductor George Vass pictured at Marie Curie Hampstead Hospice, he is hosting a Christmas Celebration with Ginny Greenwood at Hampstead Parish church. Picture: Nigel Sutton - Credit: Nigel Sutton
In little over a week, a new carol concert will be launched organised by two of Hampstead’s local musical heavyweights.
Virginia ‘Ginny’ Greenwood, chief executive of the Mayor of London’s Fund for Young Musicians, and George Vass, national and international composer, have joined forces to do something local for the community.
On Saturday, December 7 the doors of Hampstead Parish Church, in Church Row, will open for A Christmas Celebration, a night of music and poetry followed by wine and mince pies, all in aid of charity.
The Heath Singers will entertain with their own score of Christmas music conducted by George and accompanied by organist Edward Kemp-Luck Young actors from the Central School in Swiss Cottage are involved with the readings and poetry.
Central to the evening are the charities and each year they hope to donate to one local cause and one international cause. This year proceeds will be split between Hampstead’s Marie Curie Cancer Care and the Consortium of Street Children, of which Ginny is a trustee.
As a local charity, Hampstead’s Marie Curie Cancer Care, at 11 Lyndhurst Gardens, is close to the organisers’ hearts.
Its inpatient unit has 34 beds where specialist care is provided for people with cancer and other life-limiting illnesses and support for their families, completely free of charge.
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“It’s important we keep it because it’s hidden away there and not many people know about it,” said George.
“We all know about the North London Hospice as the drums get banged all the time about that, nothing wrong with that but it’s really important for local residents to be able to die in dignity locally to where they live .
“I’ve had five or six friends who have died there. It was great to be able to pop up and see them.
“The friends and relatives can get to them relatively easily and the support there is phenomenally good. The staff always have a smile for you and they’re always incredibly positive.
“I think it’s great and well worth our support.”
To book go to www.december7.eventbrite.com. Tickets cost £4 for children and £10 for adults and family tickets.
To find out more about the charities, visit www.streetchildren.org.uk and www.mariecurie.org.uk
