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May 2020

Ripon

Ripon Grammar School choir is in harmony for virtual video tribute to the NHS

Published: 12 May 2020, 10:14 BST

Updated: 12 May 2020, 10:16 BST

by Tim Flanagan

A virtual performance of Daniel Elder's Ballade to the Moon by Ripon Grammar School's chamber choir, dedicated to the NHS and key workers, had added significance for choir member Rafaella Shiers, whose grandfather is in hospital recovering from Covid-19.

Taking part in a virtual choir tribute to NHS and key workers had an added poignancy for Ripon Grammar School student Rafaella Shiers.

Peter Hobson, the 92-year-old grandfather of sixth former Rafaella, who lives in Ripon, is currently in hospital recovering from coronavirus on the COVID-19 ward of a hospital in Lancashire and her mother, Kay, works in the NHS.

That meant that the virtual choral tribute by the Ripon Grammar School chamber choir, organised by the school's director of music, Michael Barker, had a special significance for the 18-year-old who hopes to study history at Durham University.

Rafaella and 11 other talented singers from the school, who have been missing their weekly chamber choir rehearsals, got together on screen from their own homes for the virtual performance of Daniel Elder's Ballade to the Moon, which Mr Barker edited and mixed together.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RqsgeK_DJtA&t=12s

Video courtesy of Ripon Grammar School.

As she took part in the performance, arranged as a tribute to the front line healthcare workers, Rafaella thought about grandfather Peter, who she had been seeing on a regular basis before the coronavirus lockdown.

She said:

"I haven't seen my grandpa since mid-March and I can't wait to show him this tribute once I can visit him."

Rafaella, added:

"Seeing the work and perseverance of the NHS during the crisis has been incredible and my mother, who works in community mental health, really appreciated our singing and loved the dedication to the NHS in the video."

The Ripon Grammar School chamber choir includes sopranos, altos, basses and tenors and Mr Barker said that in putting together the virtual performance, he was also mindful of the students from years 11 and 13, whose time at the school was brought to an abrupt end because of the enforced early close down.

He said:

"I hope it provides a lasting memory for those student leavers who didn't get a chance to finish the year properly or have a last school concert. Singing is a fantastic way to bring everyone together."