As I stood behind the stage with camera in hand, l looked out across a sea of faces, each person in the audience holding a candle that burned brightly. While they glowed collectively across the hall that night, I felt the connection of love and unity between everyone there, a feeling I know will stay with me for a very long time.”
The path to the Lovelight stage
I’m Jo and I have recently started as a storyteller with Tenovus Cancer Care. Having been a photographer and writer for some years, I am passionate about what connects people with their communities and why. Beginning this role feels a little like a homecoming to me - an opportunity to share and show some of the incredible support and connections that take place within community life.
As this festive season of Lovelight concerts draws to a close, I want to take a moment to introduce myself and reflect on what I’ve experienced over the past weeks. From taking part in choir rehearsals to attending my first Lovelight concert – held in the glorious setting of The Coal House Exchange in Cardiff – it’s been nothing short of joyous.
Being part of a local choir myself, I was keen to make my first story about some of the Sing with Us choirs as they rehearsed for their Lovelight concerts, which are held annually across various locations in Wales during November and December.
Walking through the door on a cold November night to spend time at a choir rehearsal, I was instantly met with warmth, hugs and laughter as everyone met to catch up with their news of the week, before their singing practice began. While the room was being set up, I had the chance to sit and chat with some choristers as they shared why they became a part of their local Sing with Us choir.
My wife kept asking me to go with her to choir practice, I was adamant I’d only go with her once, just to prove that I was willing to give it a go. Nine years later, we are part of two Sing with Us choirs and sing at two Lovelight concerts every year"
Another chorister shared how she joined several years ago after hearing that her local choir sang her husband’s favourite song, I Will Follow Him. She performed it in this year’s concert in memory of him, as she always does.
These choirs are not just about coming together to sing, choristers have formed life-long friendships between them, sharing family times and holidays with one another throughout the year. The talented choir leaders are also part of the choir family and - I’ve been told - are revered as choral rockstars by many.
Now feeling connected with some of the choirs, I was keen to photograph the Cardiff Lovelight concert where they were performing. I worked alongside Celyn, our digital content producer, where we set about capturing some of the festive sparkle, warmth and poignancy that these wonderful concerts bring.
The concert started with mezzo soprano, Nia Tyler, singing from the balcony of the main hall. Followed by heartfelt welcomes from Tenovus Cancer Care’s Chief Executive, Judi Rhys, with TV presenter and patron to the charity, Carl Edwards, who hosted the event.
What struck me was how visual the concert was, with ballet dancers gracing the stage, illustrating the music played and giving an added layer of emotion and depth to the meaning behind the performances.
As I searched to second-guess what might happen next, I heard the signature tune to The Pink Panther and spotted one of the Saxidentials among the audience, giving an all-immersive experience as they walked down the aisle to join the other musicians on stage.
The festivities continued, with Amruta cheerfully leading everyone in the room with clapping and waving their hands in the air, as she gave a magical performance of fusion and Indian music.
Next up was a wonderful school choir singing Nadolig Llawen I Chi Gyd, each pupil’s face beaming with pride as the audience joined by singing the chorus.
The poignancy of the night became clear when the hall lights dimmed as hundreds of candles were lit and held in the hands of people, each remembering people no longer with us. I found it incredibly powerful to see such a visual display of love and support, with each person leaning over to the next to help light their candle.
I stood behind the stage looking out at a sea of faces lit up by candlelight, while I listened to singer and presenter Sophie Evans accompanied by Paul Rothwell, one of our Sing with Us choir leaders and tenor with Only Men Aloud, perform the most exquisitely powerful duet together.
It was like they had stopped the world from spinning in that moment, to give each and all in the room a moment to reflect and pay tribute to loved ones lost.
Glancing over, I could see the choir getting ready to perform their set, dressed in their choral finest as they stood in front of a packed concert hall. This was the moment, the accumulation of anticipation and excitement I’d felt from them in those final weeks of rehearsals. With all those wonderful voices coming together on the night, I couldn’t help but sing along with them as I photographed the pure joy in their eyes while they performed.
Many of my Tenovus Cancer Care colleagues told me that you cannot explain the warmth, connection and community magic of a Lovelight concert, you need to experience one to feel it.
