Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend of legendary rock band The Who are to lead a carol service to raise money for a music therapy charity.
Nordoff Robbins is a charity which creates space for the most vulnerable people in our society to express themselves in music and find connections with others. Their trained music therapists work with children and adults with extreme life challenges, including injuries, disabilities and terminal illness.
Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey will perform an acoustic set at the charity’s annual Christmas Carol concert. The evening of traditional Christmas carols, performances and readings from a host of celebrities will take place at 7pm on Tuesday 13th December at St Luke’s Church, Chelsea.
The Who, considered one of the most influential rock bands of the 20th century, have sold over 100 million records worldwide, and are long-standing supporters of Nordoff Robbins. The band won the charity’s first ever Silver Clef Award back in 1976 and again in 2005 for the music award ceremony’s 30th anniversary. Since 1976, the Silver Clef Awards have raised nearly £12 million for Nordoff Robbins and honoured some of the greatest names in music.
In 2021, Nordoff Robbins music therapists reached 8,713 individuals throughout the year, holding 35,500 therapy sessions. The charity also worked with 318 partner organisations such as schools, care homes and hospices to provide much needed music therapy.
Roger Daltrey commented:
“What Nordoff Robbins does with music makes such a positive change to people’s lives – which is why we’re supporting them at this very special Christmas service. Music is our shared language and is incredibly powerful, and music therapy can reconnect people who may otherwise feel isolated or disconnected from the world – whether a young person with autism, a person living with dementia, or somebody rebuilding their lives after an accident.”
Sandra Schembri, CEO of Nordoff Robbins added:
“Music and the festive season go hand in hand, and here at Nordoff Robbins, people and music are at the heart of everything we do. Thanks to the money raised through this wonderful annual concert, we can deliver music therapy to more clients across the UK, including some of the most vulnerable people in society. We believe that music is a superpower. Imagine if music was the only way you were able to communicate. Now imagine a world with no music – it’s unthinkable. Music can offer people true inclusion and belonging, and access to it must be a human right.
For more information about Nordoff Robbins, visit nordoff-robbins.org.uk.