A Dumbarton choir’s wish came true when the Scottish Ballet joined them for a magical once-in-a-lifetime performance.
Every Voice Choir, run by Alzheimer’s Scotland, sang against the backdrop of a beautiful dance performed by two members of the company to a sold-out crowd at St Augustine’s Church.
Soloist Jamiel Laurence choreographed a duet between principal Bethany Kingsley-Garner and soloist Evan Loudon, that was performed alongside the 50-strong choir to their rendition of Only You, by British synth-pop band Yazoo.
Residents got behind the local group last year when they voted for their wish to come true as part of Scottish Ballet’s 50th anniversary celebrations.
Speaking this week, Fiona Kane, dementia advisor, said: “It was absolutely amazing, a magical day. Everyone was just blown away by it.
“The dance was absolutely beautiful and it was made more special by the fact it was choreographed especially for Scottish Ballet’s make a wish celebrations.
“I don’t think we realised the enormity of what we had achieved until it happened. It was so special.
“The audience was mainly family and friends and a lot found it quite emotional.
“Even more special is that we were able to take part in the performance during dementia awareness week.”
Now Scottish Ballet and Every Voice Choir will continue to work together ahead of a special performance that will see the choir join the company on stage during a matinee of Christopher Hampson’s new production of The Snow Queen, in Edinburgh, later this year.
Fiona added: “We are really looking forward to the next stage as we had been building up to the performance for so long and this keeps the momentum going.”
Scottish Ballet launched their Five Wishes drive last year. The wishes which received the most votes were submitted to a judging panel, which included Scottish comedian Susan Calman and ballerina superstar Dame Darcey Bussel.
Every Voice Choir launched a social media campaign to get people voting and they received the wonderful news that their wish had been granted.
They were given the news just before Christmas last year but were sworn to secrecy until February.
Lesley said at the time: “When we found out we were not allowed to tell anyone and anytime we looked at each other we were just so excited and squealing. Thank you to everyone who has supported us, and all those who voted for the Every Voice Choir. The day will be magical for all involved, a once-in-a-lifetime memory.”
A BBC filming crew also captured the special event as they are putting together a documentary, which follows Scottish Ballet on their anniversary journey.
Cameras have been following the choir over the past year, with the programme set to be aired in December.
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