Celebrate Sport this Christmas with the MU Foundation Choir and the BBC Philharmonic

On Thursday 15th December, the MU Foundation Choir will join the BBC Philharmonic to perform classic festive songs including The Christmas Song, The Snowman and Hark the Herald Angels Sing. The concert will be recorded by BBC Radio Manchester for broadcast on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Formed in October 2010, the Choir celebrates the Foundation’s work with young people across Salford, Trafford and Manchester, giving them a unique opportunity to showcase their talent. Members are from local schools and the Foundation’s partner schools and they meet to rehearse every Monday night at Old Trafford. The choir has already performed on match days and sung at MU events, though this will be their first public concert.

Richard Wigley, General Manager of the BBC Philharmonic, comments: “We are delighted to be part of this special event which supports the work of the Manchester United Foundation in encouraging young people who love singing.”

John Shiels, Chief Executive of the MU Foundation adds: “The opportunity to perform with the BBC Philharmonic is a dream come true for all members of the choir.  As with any great team preparing for a major event, rehearsals have intensified and become more focused, increasing the performance level of both individuals and the choir as a whole.”

The BBC Philharmonic Christmas Concert is part of "Celebrate Sport with the BBC", an action packed two-weeks of shows, events and interactive sessions taking place at MediaCityUK and surrounding venues from 8-22 December.

If you would like to attend the concert and support the Choir, you can apply for your free Celebrate Sport  tickets. For more information on the shows and to apply go to www.bbc.co.uk/showsandtours . The ballot closes at 4pm on Friday 18 November.

The concert will be broadcast on BBC Radio Manchester at 1pm on Christmas Eve, and again on Christmas Day at 2pm.