Mike Wash is in his fourth year as director of the York Philharmonic's Male Voice Choir, taking up the position as the group known as 'The Philharmonic' celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2025.
He wants to open a dialogue with anyone within York and the surrounding area who would like to add to the choir's “ongoing legacy” as part of what he calls “a profession and a privilege”.
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Mike said: “I have come to love my role and realize that it is more than a hobby.
“We are proud to contribute to the continuing legacy of the choir. In addition to the musicality of our great city, we are rich in talent and opportunity for the creative arts.
“And yet, as we need to grow to secure our future for another 100 years or more, we feel we are not shouting enough about the benefits of joining our choir!”
Mike said:
“The experienced members of the choir will help you and there is no pressure to perform solos.
“The feel factor of being part of the unique sound of the male voice choir itself will enrich your evening, and if you stay and participate, it will enrich your life.
“Music has a powerful influence on all of us.
“Singing can enhance memory, increase resilience, reduce mood, reduce anxiety and depression, improve energy levels, improve response to pain, and increase self-confidence and social health. .”
The Chair will discuss how members participated through encouragement from friends, or how participating following a personal loss lifted one member's mood, and how one of the younger members He continued to say how he was welcomed and loved and could cross generations. gap'.
Mike said: “On one level, we are an award-winning, internationally recognized choir with Dutch and German partners.
We have represented the UK at international festivals, appeared on TV and radio and have many professional recordings.
“Our history is set out in a book entitled Sound Fellows: The Story of the York Philharmonic Male Voice Choir by Colin Hockridge.
“We will be singing at the Barbican in a gala concert with six other choirs celebrating our 100th anniversary on September 21st.
“We are blessed with a professional music team that is well organized with a committee that oversees and guides us and abides by all the rules that are governed by being a registered charity.
“But at the end of the day, we're just a group of guys who want to sing together.”
Anyone who would like to find out more about 'The Phil' or hear examples of the output can visit the website https://www.yorkphilchoir.org.uk or visit the Citadel in Gillygate on Mondays at 7.15pm. You can also rehearse.
