Britain’s Got Talent winner joins 'Choir of Hope'

Singer, pianist, entertainer and comedian Jon Courtenay,  the 2020 winner of the TV talent show, will join the Choir of Hope — the latest project from music and dementia charity Lost Chord and the brainchild of Sally Glennon, a Lost Chord professional musician and trustee.

Sally lost her father in the new year and, knowing the full therapeutic value of music, approached the charity’s chief executive Clare Langan with a programme aimed specifically at people who have experienced bereavement.

The ten hour-long sessions, presented by Sally and fellow Lost Chord UK musicians Luke Carver Goss, Gary Hammond and Anne-Marie Wilcock, gave people the chance to come together to learn, write and share songs, as well as make new friends and build a support network.

The Choir of Hope will now share the stage with Lost Chord UK patron Jon Courtney at their Concert of Thanksgiving at St Gerard’s Church in Thrybergh on Wednesday, May 31 at 7pm.

Jon became involved in the work of Lost Chord UK — the Maltby-based charity that provides interactive music sessions for people living with dementia in care homes and day centres — after he lost his own father to the condition and discovered the power of music as a great connector.

“As chief executive of Lost Chord UK, it’s marvellous for a musician to come to me with an idea and for us to be able to make it a reality,” said Clare. 

“People have laughed and cried together and most importantly grown together through this shared experience all funded by Voluntary Action Rotherham and the Levelling Up Fund.”

She added: “We are particularly delighted that Jon agreed to be part of the concert without hesitation and will share some of his award-winning tunes and maybe even some of his very special comedy.”

Tickets to the concert are free but limited — visit www.lost-chord.org.uk/event/choir-of-hope-concert-of-thanksgiving/. 

There will be refreshments and a fundraising raffle as part of the evening.