Thursday 9 May will see a fundraising concert held at the Lagan Valley Island in aid of two local branches of charities: the Cancer Fund for Children and SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity.
Hosted by the Mayor of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, Councillor Andrew Gowan, the concert will feature performances by The Band of the Royal Irish Regiment, the Bugles, Pipes and Drums of the 2nd Battalion Royal Irish Regiment, The Northern Ireland Military Wives Choir, the talented choir, ensemble, and pianist from Strathearn Girls School, and the captivating vocals of soprano Lauren Kells.
Lauren is a classically trained soprano originally from County Fermanagh. A graduate from The Royal Northern College of Music obtaining a Master’s degree and a first class Bachelors of Music from the Ulster University. Throughout her studies, she performed in operas including NI Opera’s production of Turandot, a local Manchester production of Carmen as principal role – Michaela, RNCM’s ‘Suor Angelica’ as Novice and Musette from ‘La Boheme’ with Nottingham Philharmonic Orchestra. Lauren is also a qualified music teacher who has experience running children’s choirs and musically directing a school production of Matilda. In addition to her solo work, Lauren has extensive choral experience from singing in Carnegie Hall for the premier of Paul Mealor’s Stabat Mater, performing in Cuenca, Spain with Codetta to being a member of Fermanagh and Oldham Choral Societies. Lauren is now building up her singing alongside being a new mum and working full time, based back home in beautiful Northern Ireland.
A spokesperson for branch said:
“We’re delighted to have such a range of performances for people to enjoy on the night, from the excitement of the two military bands, to the enchanting voices of the Military Wives Choir, Lauren, and the young – but no less excellent – performers from Strathearn.
“It really promises to be a night to remember at a wonderful venue, and is in aid of two charities that do so much locally, so book your tickets before they all go.”
Doors open at 7pm for a 7.30pm sharp start. Tickets are priced at £15 and can be bought by visiting laganvalleyisland.co.uk/whats-on.
SSAFA works throughout Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, England, Scotland, and Wales as well as many countries overseas providing support to serving and former military personnel and their families.
To learn more about its work or to access support or fundraise, visit ssafa.org.uk/northern-ireland.
