LIGHTHOUSE CHOIR
Lighthouse Choir was formed by Liverpool Lighthouse over Zoom during the Covid-19 pandemic. The goal was to connect the community through singing, to help people stay well through lockdown and to build on the traditions of the Love and Joy Gospel Choir (LJGC) who over 20-years have sung at the Hillsborough Memorial Service at LFC Stadium.
Members of the choir include Hillsborough survivors, people who lost friends and family members as well as current Anfield residents.
Emerging from this project will be a 6-track EP that will be available for sale or streaming. The songs chosen are favourites of the Hillsborough families and have been performed by LJGC over many years. Although inspired by the Hillsborough Memorial, the songs have taken on a greater resonance as people grapple with the losses from the Covid-19 pandemic.
"It’s been difficult for everyone in this choir, but it has become a wonderful community project bringing everyone closer together and has shown how powerful music can be."
– Serena Rushton, best friend of Vicki Hicks, one of the 96. Daughter,
Danya Rushton is a member of the choir.
CHOIR MEMBERS
Abi Williams
Alembari Aadum
Angela Addo
Anita Hutson
Anita Kuambana
Anna Hawley
Athar Barakat
Carmel Murphy
Chris Williams
Danya Rushton
Denise Durbard
Emma Hanlon
Esther Cole
Gareth Hayes
Grace Machiridza
Helen Brown
Jan Sloan
Jennifer Hynes
Kathryn Callister
Kiri Thompson
Llauren Cavanagh
Maggie McKenzie
Mia McGorian
Namh Owens
Neven Tili
Ovie Azanuwha
Peter Hawley
Rachel Awork King
Rebecca Conley
Rosalie Gavin
Sarah Delvin
Sarah Jones
To coincide with the anniversary the Hillsborough tragedy, Liverpool Lighthouse released a 96 second clip of "You'll Never Walk Alone" to commemorate the 96 lives lost and to preview the wider album release in 2022.
“It’s been really lovely to sing with a mix of lots of different people and to see them all every week. It is one of the only stable things at the moment and whatever happens we’ll still be here every Tuesday night, talking and singing along”.
– Niamh Owens, choir member.
Award-winning choir director and vocal coach, Anu Omideyi, has been leading the choir from the start, from auditions back in June 2020 to the present day.
HILLSBOROUGH AND ME
We have created Hillsborough and me, a collection of stories from survivors, friends and relatives of people who died and local community members who are part of the Hillsborough Memorial Choir. In the videos below, they share why they decided to take part in the project.