Welcome to the summer edition of the MIV Newsletter! This issue bursts forth with the same energy and passion that our choir brings to every performance. From the echoes of our last term to the thrilling events on the horizon, this newsletter is your gateway to all things MIV.

Firstly, we would like to express our gratitude to all our members, especially our Choir leader and founder Wayne Ellington and the team of volunteers who have continued to invest their time and devotion in working hard to maintaining MIV’s integrity, mission, fantastic musicality and generosity. Your commitment has allowed us to keep our rehearsals and performances running smoothly and effectively.

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A Fresh, New Look!

We are thrilled to unveil our newly redesigned newsletter! The revamped layout is crafted to enhance your reading experience, making it easier to stay informed and engaged with all the latest updates. Dive in and explore our vibrant new format.

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MIV at the Carlton Club, 20 June 2024

We would like to thank everyone who attended our performance at the Carlton Club. What an amazing night! We were overwhelmed by the fantastic response and participation from the audience, not to mention the wonderful feedback that we received. It’s so encouraging to know that the choir’s dedication and hard work is such an effective and beautiful way to touch people’s lives through music!

A brilliant photo from the night

Photo by Ray Sewell

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Our Upcoming Events

Get ready to mark your calendars! Next term promises a variety of exciting events, the highlight of which will be our Christmas Concert at Manchester’s prestigious Bridgewater Hall on Monday 16 December 2024, guaranteed to bring Christmas cheer to all!

Please see our Events Page for details of this and our other upcoming events, and make sure you don’t miss out on the magic of live music.

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Members Testimonials:

Our choir members are the heart and soul of MIV.
Here’s what some of them have to say:

“It was wonderful for the choir to be back in Bottrop, Germany this summer for the 18th International Bottrop Gospel Week, an amazing festival of gospel music which aims to unite choirs in their shared love of gospel music and bring the joy of gospel music to the community. MIV have been honoured to be regular participants in this fantastic event for several years, with our director Wayne leading the workshops and mass choirs, together with our friends Gerald T Smith, and Shellie and Kenneth Powe.

This year was especially joyful as it marked the first Gospel Week since the COVID-19 pandemic. It was fantastic to meet friends old and new, to receive expert coaching from Wayne, Gerald, Shellie and Kenneth, and to take part in the mass choir, as well as having the privilege of performing in the opening concert at Christ Church, the main Gospel Night festival at Liebfrauenkirche in Bottrop, and the gala concert at the Lighthouse in Essen. We also had a wonderful time as a team bonding with each other and enjoying the wonderful facilities at the Chillten hostel.

Thank you so much Bottrop for another amazing spiritual and musical experience!”
– Caroline Bridge.

A stunning image of MIV performing in Bottrop, Germany!

Photo by Peter Feldmann

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“It’s going to be a long summer – no MIV sessions for two whole months……. I joined this wonderful community in March 2017 and have never looked back, with highlights being three trips to Poland, and Christmas concerts at the Bridgewater Hall.

From the moment you first walk through the door at St John’s, you feel so welcome and part of something special – the love is palpable! Wayne is amazing – a brilliant teacher who brings out the best in you, expecting the highest standards in return.

I can honestly say that MIV has changed my life – I’ve made lifelong friends, have gained the confidence to sing lead parts, including Rainbow, a song that I wrote the lyrics for, and have learned so much, especially how our singing can affect others……. roll on September.”
– Angie Arnold

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“From a young age, singing has always been my passion, which tends to take me around the world, participating in groups/choirs singing. However, joining and being a part of MIV has opened my eyes to the technicality of singing, especially in choir settings.

What has been so amazing is our choir Master/Director Mr Wayne Ellington, whose teaching is on another level. I have learnt so much in this short space of time that surpasses all previous teachings I’ve ever had.  

I recommend anyone with the desire to sing and learn how to home in on the craft of singing to join MIV. You will not be disappointed.”
-Doctor Jacquie Golaub

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The Prayer Team

As a gospel choir, faith and spirituality are at the heart of our music and our community. MIV has a dedicated confidential prayer service which is open to all. If you need prayer, please head to our Contact Page and send your prayer request to us by email or using our contact form.

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Wayne Ellington, founder/director

“Prepare yourself to enjoy our events. It’s the voices that make it magical. I look forward to seeing you all.”

Photo by Ray Sewell

Colossians 3:16: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”

Thank you for being a part of our musical journey. We look forward to sharing more melodies and memories with you in the coming months. Next term begins on 24 September 2024. We look forward to seeing you all soon!

In the meantime, stay safe, stay tuned and keep singing!

With love and service! MIV.