It is the ultimate chart honour to be crowned Christmas Number One and joining the throngs of bands and solo artists vying for the coveted top spot is singer/songwriter Kirsty Bertarelli, who enlisted the talents of YMCA North Staffordshire’s choir to release a seasonal single.
The song, The Ghosts of Christmas Past, was penned by Kirsty and, in order to give it a boost during the crescendo, she teamed up with the 28 member choir comprising of young people and staff who hail from her hometown. It evokes Kirsty’s observations of not only how she may feel after her children have grown up but also touches on other people’s experience of Christmas who may have lost a loved one or suffer from loneliness.
The choir were given a taste of life as a recording artist when they travelled down to the famous Abbey Road Studios where they were joined by Nick Mason from Pink Floyd, who played the drums on the track.
YMCA youth engagement worker, Lewis Barkway, 22, said of the experience: “It was a once in a lifetime opportunity. There was a stunned silence when we all entered the building and we all had to take a moment to gather our thoughts.
“I would feel really proud seeing the single and the videos do well, knowing we’ve all had a part of it.”
Kirsty has been a longstanding supporter of North Staffordshire YMCA and has previously hosted talent competitions for the young people who are supported by the charity, and funds a number of creative arts projects.
Talking about the recording, Kirsty said: “When I first started putting the song together, it was clear that it would be made better with a choir. Ever since I was first invited for a visit a couple of years ago, I’ve had the absolute privilege of getting to know the young people and staff at North Staffordshire YMCA and so they were the very top of the list. They are a massively talented, inspiring group.”
Watch a film of the backstage recording of the single, check out the official music video, and be sure to grab your copy today!
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