NATIONALLY acclaimed Sheffield Barbershop chorus Hallmark of Harmony are giving our patients a special gift of music this Christmas.
The choir - currently the country’s Barbershop champions - have been supporting our services for more than 40 years.
But as Coronavirus has hit public performance badly, the team have had to think of news ways of continuing that support.
“We were particularly excited to talk to St Luke’s about the ways we could help them to celebrate their forthcoming 50th anniversary in 2021 and we were really looking forward to ramping up our activity,” said spokesman Phil Gill.
“Before that, though we would also now be going into our programme of Christmas events but all that has had to change.”
“Normally, we would bring our four-part harmony singing to the streets of Sheffield in December to raise funds for St Luke’s.
“We then visit the hospice on Christmas Day to present a cheque and to sing to staff and patients.
“As neither of these things will be possible in 2020, though, we are now reaching out to friends online to join us in supporting this amazing charity.”
Hallmark member Sam Hubbard has written a new arrangement of the classic Without a Song, which has been recorded as a virtual performance by Hallmark of Harmony and also featuring members of four ladies’ choruses - Sheffield Harmony, Steel City Voices, Cheshire Chord Company and The White Rosettes.
Money raised by Hallmark of Harmony’s supporters will be going to the St Luke’s Christmas Appeal.
“We feel the words of this song express how singing can lift people's spirits at difficult times like these,” said Phil, who added that the recording - which was all created remotely - is now available via Youtube.
“We are proud to support the St Luke’s Christmas Appeal and all donations are gratefully received and will support patient care at St Luke’s this Christmas.”
Donations to the Hallmark of Harmony in support of St Luke’s can be made by visiting Hallmark of Harmony, which includes a link to the song.