Two virtual concerts performed by youngsters and three local choirs aimed at getting people into the festive spirit will be streamed online free of charge in the run-up to Christmas.
It has been announced that Durham Music Service (DMS) will present two events in successive nights in the week before Christmas Day.
DMS pupils will be performing their Christmas concert with six brand new ensembles on Friday 18 December.
Then, on Saturday 19 December, Celebration of Lessons and Carols takes place, with three well-known Durham choirs performing a celebration of carols and readings.
Michael Summers, manager of DMS, which is partly funded by Durham County Council, Darlington Borough Council and Arts Council England, said: “We are doing both performances free to watch as a gift to the people of Durham and Darlington, especially for those that won’t be able to access a carol service or Christmas concert this year.
“They should both be fantastic celebrations which we hope will really get people into the festive spirit.”
Cllr Olwyn Gunn, Durham County Council Cabinet member for Children and Young People’s Services, said: “We’re very grateful to the management at Durham Music Service for organising these events and I’m sure that the pupils and choirs will have a brilliant time performing in them.
“It’s so important despite the current issues with coronavirus that children are still able to practice their music skills while social distancing. Thank you to everyone taking part and I’d encourage anyone interested to go online and listen to both concerts.”
The Christmas Concert on 18 December will begin at 6.30pm and feature:
• Durham Rocks • Funky Fridays
• Online Voices • Virtual Orchestra
• Wednesday Wind-days • Zoom Strings.
The Celebration of Lessons and Carols will start at 7.30pm on 19 December and feature Choral Society, Durham Singers and Northern Spirit.
Either concert can be watched live by going to
https://www.durhammusic.org.uk/listing/category/durham-virtual-christmas
The website can also be used to book a link to stream the concerts live on YouTube.
Organisers are asking those intending to watch the concerts to consider donating to DMS’s coronavirus appeal to give bursaries to pupils who can no longer afford lessons due to the impact of the pandemic.
Donations can be made at https://www.durhammusic.org.uk/Appeal/cv19
For more information about DMS visit www.durhammusic.org.uk or follow @Durhammusiconline on Facebook, @TrustDurham on Twitter and Durham Music on YouTube.