Choir archive · 2024

Men United in Song 2024

More than 80 men came together to discover the joy of singing, perform two memorable concerts and raise £12,000 for Prostate Cancer UK.

In early 2024, more than 100 men expressed an interest in Men United in Song and over 80 signed up for the ten-week project.

Some wanted to try a new hobby or step outside their comfort zone. Others joined because prostate cancer had touched their own lives or the lives of people close to them. With the support of Welwyn Garden City Male Voice Choir and Musical Director Cass, the group developed from individual newcomers into a confident choir.

The project culminated in concerts at the Weston Auditorium, University of Hertfordshire, and the Albert Hall in Nottingham. Along the way, the singers formed friendships, discovered what they could achieve together and helped raise an outstanding £12,000 for Prostate Cancer UK.

The two concert reports below preserve the story of their final performances.

More photographs

The project raised £12,000 for Prostate Cancer UK.

Journey updates

Only ten weeks earlier, the Men United in Song singers had been a group of individuals curious to find out where the project might lead. On 18 May they stood together at the Weston Auditorium, University of Hertfordshire—nervous, excited and ready to show their supporters what they had achieved.

Welwyn Garden City Male Voice Choir opened with Rachie, Steal Away, Speed Your Journey and An American Trilogy. Men United in Song followed with The Rose, Shenandoah and Bring Him Home, finishing the first half to enthusiastic applause.

The second half included Flash, Bang, Wallop, complete with actions, followed by Take Me Home, Rhythm of Life and a West Side Story medley from WGCMVC. Men United in Song returned with Bridgwater Fair, Danny Boy and Tell My Father, joined by violinist Kasper Vermeesch.

Both choirs combined for Crossing the Bar and The Wellerman, with the audience providing the drumbeat for the final sea shanty. Thunderous applause and cheers brought a stirring evening to a close.

A cheque for £12,000 was presented to Prostate Cancer UK, comfortably surpassing the project’s original target. Thank you to everyone who sang, supported and contributed to this remarkable journey.

Men United in Song choristers gathered for a rehearsal — Preparing together for the Weston Auditorium gala concert.

The combined choirs performing on stage at the Weston Auditorium — The gala charity concert at the Weston Auditorium.

For the grand finale, 80 Hertfordshire choristers travelled to Nottingham to join the other four Men United in Song choirs. After negotiating roadworks and traffic, they arrived at the Albert Hall for two hours of rehearsal under Project Director Will Prideaux.

The first sound of 400 voices filling the hall set the tone for the evening. The massed choir opened with Bridgwater Fair, followed by performances from the participating choirs. Welwyn Garden City Men United performed The Wellerman—with Cass bringing the drum—before the massed voices closed the first half with The Rose, Tell My Father and Bring Him Home.

The second half brought further choir and solo performances before everyone reunited for Danny Boy, Shenandoah and Crossing the Bar. The final chorus raised the roof, and Bridgwater Fair returned as an encore to the delight of the audience.

As the singers headed home, they could reflect on new friendships, ten weeks of hard work and the extraordinary experience of performing in a 400-strong choir—all while raising vital funds for Prostate Cancer UK. The end of the project felt very much like the beginning of something new.