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Sixteen years! That’s a ton of harmonies, a bunch of memories, and a whole lot of pure joy. This month, we celebrated Love Soul Choir’s 16th birthday. This milestone isn’t just about time passing; it’s also about the incredible journey of a community that lives and breathes for singing together as one.

Love Soul Choir started in 2009 and has grown to touch the lives of hundreds of singers and thousands of audience members. The goal was simple: to create a choir that was able to deliver high quality performances all across the region whilst creating a space where a love of music could bring people together. 

Although Love Soul Choir is an auditioned group, the choir’s ethos of inclusivity and support of each other has always been its heart and soul. This welcoming approach has created a diverse and vibrant community, a family bound by the shared joy singing together each and every week.

The choir started in Southampton but later expanded to form a group in Bournemouth which has been running ever since.

Every rehearsal is a celebration of the magic of group singing, a place where worries disappear and voices create a beautiful, unified sound.

Love Soul Choir is not just a choir; it’s a force for good! From the very start, we’ve been dedicated to using our platform to make a positive difference in the community. This commitment has led to many collaborations with charities and community organisations, raising awareness and funds for important causes.

One of the most memorable collaborations was with South Western Railway in 2019. We performed at train stations all the way from Bournemouth to Waterloo, including Southampton, Winchester, Basingstoke, Vauxhall, and Clapham Junction. We were raising money for Mind, a mental health charity. It was so powerful to see commuters and passengers stop to listen to our performances. We received many positive comments throughout the day.

Of course, no celebration of Love Soul Choir would be complete without mentioning the incredible opportunities the choir has had to perform on some of the biggest stages. One such highlight were the unforgettable nights at St. Mary’s Stadium in Southampton, where the choir shared the stage with none other than Take That and Lulu. The sheer scale of the event, the energy of the crowd, and the thrill of performing alongside such iconic artists was a dream come true for many choir members. It was a moment that solidified Love Soul Choir’s reputation as a force to be reckoned with, a choir capable of delivering world-class performances.

Performing with Take That and Lulu was an incredible experience. It was more than just a show; it was a celebration of the choir’s hard work, dedication, and unwavering belief in their mission. It showed that a group dedicated to quality, inclusivity, and passion can achieve amazing things.

Another event that always fills us with excitement is One Sound. It’s a choir collaboration show featuring Love Soul Choir, Sound Pop Academy & Sing Now Choir. The upcoming show, in May 2025, takes place at the prestigious Mayflower Theatre and represents a celebration of group singing, a gathering of voices united in the joy of music. The opportunity to perform on such a historic stage is a privilege, and we are so excited for the audience to see our set list.

Beyond the performances and accolades, Love Soul Choir is committed to creating a sustainable and inclusive future. Our ‘Green Plan’ reflects our dedication to minimising our environmental impact, ensuring that our love for music is matched by our love for the planet. We strive to be environmentally conscious in all aspects of our operations, from reducing waste to promoting sustainable practices.

As well as this, our ‘I’m An Ally (IAA) Programme’ is all about making sure everyone feels safe and included. We believe that everyone deserves to be treated with respect and kindness, no matter who they are or where they come from. This programme is a great way for our members to learn more about being an ally and to take action to make our community more inclusive.

As we turn 16, we can’t help but think back on all the amazing things we’ve done together. We’re so grateful for all the memories, the friendships made, and all the times together. We’re so excited for the future! We can’t wait to see what happens next and to keep spreading the love and joy of Love Soul Choir.

Over the past 16 years, a number of our singers have stuck with us, celebrating multiple anniversaries within the choir itself. These long-time members have seen the choir evolve right before their eyes. Their dedication is a testament to the strong sense of community and the deep connection they feel to the choir and to each other. These members have not only helped the choir grow but have also become an integral part of its fabric, sharing their experiences, welcoming new members, and embodying the spirit of Love Soul Choir. Their years of singing together have made beautiful memories, and that’s what makes this choir so special.

Recently, in Bournemouth, Matt (left) celebrated his 5th choir anniversary and Sophie (middle) celebrated her 10th. Choir Leader, Dan, (right) always likes to try to take a picture with those who are celebrating to mark the occasion.

Love Soul Choir is more than just a choir; it’s a community, a family, a force for good. 

As we enter our 17th year, we feel a fresh sense of purpose and gratitude for the incredible journey we’ve had. Here’s to many more years of unforgettable memories, important friendships, and amazing performances!