Skylarks, the south Birmingham Community Choir who actively promote the healing combination of community, harmony, and song, have released a Christmas single ‘Carousel’ to commemorate their 10th anniversary. Choir leader Ness Parava wrote the song the same year she started the choir in 2013, to help people through tough times, after she herself had experienced the therapeutic benefits of singing.
Choir leader Nessa Parava said:
“I started the choir after I’d had a long break from having any musical outlet, as I was just at home with my 3 children.”
“The choir was built out of wanting to be a therapeutic outlet, and because it’s about working together and the blend of voices, a supportive community has built up too.
“Skylarks choir is where you can let it all out and experience a real and obvious upshift in mood. It’s the song, the harmony, and the community working hand in hand that is so uplifting.”
The choir is for everyone and from the outset Ness planned for the choir to be an uplifting experience, providing a creative outlet and a positive way to reflect on life’s struggles.
Choir members confirm this.
Skylarks member Laura Palmer said: “Post Covid I had burnout and had lost all my joy. Coming to Skylarks it was like I’d found my soul again! I rediscovered my voice and my authentic self. It’s the cheapest form of therapy I’ve ever found!”
The choir feel the Christmas single has a similar vibe, it is honest about the busyness and expectations of Christmas, with the repeated refrain of “it’ll be the best we’ve ever had” but the lyrics also hint at Christmas being a time for reconciliation and healing with “It’s never too late to find peace.” The layering towards the end of the song with different parts of the choir singing different lines makes ‘Carousel’ a powerful Christmas offering, well worth a listen.
Carousel is available now on all streaming platforms and Skylarks have also released a music video to accompany the single, available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@skylarkschoirbham. Skylarks will also be performing the single at various local events this month, starting with Bournville’s late night shopping event on Thursday 7th December from 6pm.
The choir can be found on social media with the handle @skylarkschoirbham. They’re urging locals to follow and share their posts, and help put a Brummie choir on the map!