Royal Northern Sinfonia

Inspiration is a large community choir based in Gateshead, Leeds and Southampton. It came about through a passion for singing and a belief in the power of song. The name itself has a double meaning – ‘breathing in’ and ‘being inspired’.

Founder Gary Griffiths has sung in and conducted choirs all his life and truly believes that singing in a large group is life-affirming and fulfilling in a way that few other activities can be. It is almost impossible to describe unless you experience it. Their ethos is simple – anyone can sing. There are no auditions to join and you don’t even have to read music. You just have to enjoy it.

The choir meets once a week during term time to learn the songs. In each area they perform three concerts a year, one at the end of every term, and their concerts held at Sage Gateshead are with Royal Northern Sinfonia. They also try to fit in smaller events and workshops within the community. They sing everything from memory so there are no barriers between them and their audience. Their contact with them is vital because they love to share the story of whatever they are singing.