Nordoff Robbins, the UK’s largest music therapy charity, is delighted to announce that music fans will be able to once again enjoy its much loved annual Christmas concert in person this year, starring the incomparable Sir Rod Stewart – plus a special online extravaganza hosted by the legendary Nile Rodgers.
The events will raise vital funds for the charity, enabling it to continue to use the power of music to enrich the lives of people in the UK affected by life-limiting physical and mental illness, disabilities or feelings of isolation.
Taking place at 7pm on Tuesday 14th Dec 2021 at St Luke’s Church, Chelsea, the welcome return of the Nordoff Robbins Carol Service showcases a star-studded line up including Sir Rod Stewart – one of the most important and best-selling artists of all time, the magnetic Irish singer-songwriter Imelda May and chart-topping saxophonist and presenter Jess Gillam. With Christmas carols sung by some of the music industry’s most celebrated artists, from music giants to and coming young talent, the evening will also feature a host of celebrities giving festive readings.* Tickets are available from carols.nordoff-robbins.org.uk, priced £50.
Following the music therapy charity’s first virtual Christmas event in 2020, Nordoff Robbins is also offering music lovers who can’t attend the church the opportunity to come together to experience the Christmas magic by watching ‘The Stars Come Out To Sing At Christmas 2021’, hosted by the iconic Nile Rodgers. The free-to-view streamed concert will feature carols and readings from St Luke’s Church along with exclusive additional performances from stars around the world, which fans can access at 7pm GMT on Sunday 19th December via carols.nordoff-robbins.org.uk. Donations are encouraged throughout this very special festive evening to enable Nordoff Robbins’ dedicated music therapists to support those who need it most to experience the joy and power of music – helping communication and reducing isolation.
Nordoff Robbins believes in the value of music for all people in society. The charity’s trained music therapists work with children and adults affected by life limiting illness such as dementia, learning disabilities including Autism, physical disability and mental health issues. In 2020, despite the pandemic, Nordoff Robbins’ music therapists helped the lives of 5,782 individuals throughout the year and the charity aims to increase this number in 2022.
Sir Rod Stewart said: “Christmas is a special time and I’m thrilled to be sharing the seasonal joy in person at this year’s Nordoff Robbins Carol Service. Everyone can thrive through the power of music and that’s why Nordoff Robbins’ work is so important to me. Every music therapy session at Nordoff Robbins is unique because every person is unique. The charity’s trained music therapists understand that music evokes different reactions and responses in people who may not otherwise be able to connect with the world – and for many, can simply be life changing. I’m looking forward to treating fans to a festive night like no other – and asking you to give what you can to ensure this important work continues.”
Nile Rodgers said: “Nordoff Robbins believes in the value of music for all people in our society – which is why it’s so close to my heart. I understand the power of music and have witnessed how music therapy can connect people who may otherwise feel isolated or disconnected from the world. It’s the universal values that we can all express through music that brings us together in a unique way. I’m honoured to be hosting this special online concert for the second year running, bringing together some of my friends from the music world, including one of my favourites – Sir Rod Stewart – who feel just as passionately as I do about the important work of Nordoff Robbins.”
“Get together with family and friends and settle down for a musical treat on Sunday 19th December at 7pm from the comfort of your own sofa for Christmas carols with a difference as The Stars Come Out To Sing At Christmas 2021. The concert will help to raise vital funds for a whole range of people who need it most, including children with autism who rely on music therapy for a sense of connection and those affected by life-limiting illnesses or disability.”
Sandra Schembri, CEO of Nordoff Robbins said: “According to our recent UK survey* 90% of those questioned agree that music has the power to make a positive impact on people’s lives and is a great way to bring people together. That’s what we see first-hand day in, day out: the incredible impact that music has for the people that we work with – it is quite simply life changing.
We believe that all people in our society – including those who may feel isolated through physical or mental illness – have unlimited potential to be empowered through music. What a wonderful event this year’s carol service is going to be – whether guests are experiencing it in person or online. We are beyond thankful to everyone who is making this event happen – to our funding partner, Merck Mercuriadis and his Hipgnosis Songs Fund, as well as to all the artists involved who are helping us to celebrate Christmas with a unique opportunity to join such a wonderful line up of stars.”
“With the support of everybody attending our carol service and joining in by donating online we’ll be able to make a real difference to the people we work with. This year’s event is a true celebration of the power of music for all members of society.”
Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy is delighted to have Hipgnosis Songs Fund Limited as a funding partner for the second year.
