Tim Crooks and Charlie Perry have joined forces for the Stockport Songbook project, which is set to run until the end of March. This initiative has been funded as part of Stockport’s Town of Culture activities.
The songs, complete with orchestration for performance alongside Stockport Youth Orchestra, draw inspiration from the rich culture, history, and geography of Stockport. They pay homage to local landmarks such as the McVitie’s factory, as well as the Rivers Goyt and Tame.
Councillor Frankie Singleton, Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture & Sport, expressed excitement about showcasing the talent of young singers and musicians within the borough. The project has been embraced by three Stockport primary schools – Warren Wood, Prospect Vale, and Cale Green – who have been engaging in workshops with singing coach Nicole Battick. The children are thrilled with the songs tailored specifically for them.
The grand finale of the project will see the schools performing with Stockport Youth Orchestra at Stockport Academy on Friday 22 March at 7.45pm. Tickets for this event can be booked for free via the Universe website. Additionally, the schools will showcase their talents in the courtyard outside Stockport County FC’s box office on Saturday 23 March at 4pm.
Musical Director at Stockport Youth Orchestra, Tim Crooks, expressed his delight in uniting young people through music and witnessing their enjoyment. He highlighted the transformative power of the arts and commended Stockport Town of Culture for making this musical journey possible within the borough.
For those interested, the songs can be accessed on the Stockport Songbook YouTube channel. To learn more about Stockport Youth Orchestra, visit their website.
