York's musicians unite to celebrate the life of Joan Sadler
Joseph Rowntree Theatre, 26 & 31 July 2015
Top talent from many of York’s top amateur theatre groups will take the stage at the Joseph Rowntree Theatre on Sunday (26 July 2015) to celebrate the life of Joan Sadler, a luminary of performing arts in York, who died last December.
The concert will be held in aid of two of Joan’s favourite causes – St Leonard’s Hospice and the Joseph Rowntree Theatre. Organised by musical director, Don Pears, the concert features performances from many of Joan’s favourite shows and musicals by groups including York Opera, New Earswick Musical Society, York Philharmonic Choir, York Light Opera, York Musical Theatre and Rowntree Players, to name just a few.
“Joan was a huge supporter of live music and drama in York, particularly supporting events taking place at the Joseph Rowntree Theatre, so we are delighted to be returning to her place where she spent so many performances volunteering as front of house manager,” comments Mike Grimes, a close friend of Joan Sadler, who was posthumously awarded a British Empire Medal for services to the community. “In fact, she planned these fundraising concerts herself, although the list of performers she wanted to invite was so long that we had to split it over two evenings – one celebrating song and musicals, the second featuring two of her favourite bands, the Shepherd Group Concert Band and the York Railway Institute Band.”
The first concert starts at 7.30pm on Sunday 26 July and will be attended by the Lord Mayor of York, Cllr Sonja Crisp and other dignitaries, and compèred by BBC Radio York presenter, Neil Foster. The Joan Sadler Memorial Brass Band Concert takes place on Friday 31 July 2015 at 7.30pm.
“It would be a wonderful tribute to Joan if we were able to fill the house for each of these concerts, so whether you want to pay tribute to this wonderful lady, or are simply looking for a great night of music and entertainment by local talent, these are two must-see events,” comments Dan Shrimpton, chair of trustees for the Joseph Rowntree Theatre.
Tickets are still available, priced at £12.00 (including raffle entry), and can be purchased by emailing tickets@jrtheatre.co.uk or calling 01904 639117.
ENDS
For further media information or photographs, please contact:
Jay Commins
PR Director, Joseph Rowntree Theatre
Tel: 01904 500698
Email: jay.commins@jrtheatre.co.uk
