Gospel choir in Knighton Park 

The EAGA Gospel Choir  took part in Knighton Park's annual fun day 2024.
The choir had two slots where in we sang a number of songs from an extensive repertoire.  With the sun shining  brilliantly above we ministered to the audience that had their chairs lined around the parameters of the area reserved for performances.  They happily became involved in all that was going on as they were invited to join in and dance as the choir sang. The lead singers were apt and  motivated the choir and audience as they ministered to the Lord.

Thanks to "Friends of Knighton Park" for inviting us again to sing at this yearly event.

 

On Sunday the 1st September the Oakham Baptist Church hosted an extraordinary community picnic in Cutts Close Park, Oakham.

The event commenced with a short church service.  Their praise and worship team led worship by singing some songs. The pastor’s sermon was about “Love”. He explored a question that many people have asked, if God loves the world, why does he not do anything about the sufferings? He used this question as an opportunity to preach about Jesus. He quoted from the Scriptures, John 3:16: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

It was especially a proud moment for the EAGA 7 Children’s Gospel Choir who were in full voice, bringing joy to the community of Oakham. They ministered for 30 glorious minutes. The British summer may be dwindling, but it was no coincidence that it was a beautiful day. The sun shined beautifully  on the young people as they belted their voices to God’s glory. They represented the academy wonderfully, giving their all in the ministration of a number of songs. They performed with all their hearts, demonstrating the love of Christ in their show of musical performance on the day.

This was the first major performance for the Children’s Choir this year as they often featured within the integrated mix of the adults’ choir, but exceptionally competent in holding their own when the adult’ choir ministered at various events. They had a breakthrough year in 2023 with a keynote performance at a concert put on by them at the St Wistan Church in Wistow. They raised money which was donated to two charities. Later the same year, they followed this up with a grand showing at the Isle of Man Festival of Choirs 2023. Due to their age they were not able to take part in the main competition but the judge recognised their musical quality by commended their outstanding performance and rewarded them with ‘distinction’ scores.

The park was full of people and everyone had their ears tuned to what they were singing.  All seats were occupied. They had their picnics and some purchased Afro-Caribbean food from the El-Ellah catering.

 

 

EAGA 7 Chldren's Choir in Performance

 

The EAGA Gospel Choir was deeply honoured and delighted to accept an invitation from the BBC Radio to attend its prestigious Community Awards Ceremony on Thursday, 5th September 2024. During the event, the choir performed the iconic song "Circle of Life" from The Lion King. Introduced as the champions of the BBC Songs of Praise Gospel Choir of the Year 2023, the choir more than lived up to their reputation, delivering a breathtaking rendition that earned rapturous applause from an absolutely enthralled and enraptured audience.

The atmosphere was charged with emotion, as the heartfelt and gripping stories behind each award moved many to tears. It was a powerful and compelling event, serving as a reminder of our shared humanity and prompting reflection on how we can better support one another in both local and national communities.




Please subscriber to our Mailing-list to keep up-to-date with news and events like these.

The choir back stage at the awards:

 

 

We are thrilled and immensely proud to announce that Jordan Anderson, Music Director of the EAGA Gospel Choir, has been shortlisted for the 'Best Arranger for Leisure-Time Music Group' award at the 2024 Making Music Awards. This well-deserved recognition is in honour of his exceptional arrangement of 'In Christ Alone/Tis So Sweet', a performance that led the EAGA Gospel Choir to victory at the BBC Songs of Praise Gospel Choir of the Year 2023, and was also performed at the Festival of Choirs 2023, in the Isle of Man.

The winners will be revealed during the celebratory evening on Wednesday, 18th September.

Please subscribe to our Mailing-list to keep up-to-date with news and events like these.

Watch the performance of the song below.

See below an inspring talk by Sister Ellah Kandi, Event Organiser at Emmanu'-EL Apostolic Church and member of the EAGA Gospel Choir who discusses her experience at the annual Church Prayer retreat at Highgate Conference Centre in summer 2024.



Please subscribe to our Mailing-list to keep up-to-date with news and events like these.

The quiet seaside town of Redcar in North Yorkshire, renowned for its beaches and the famous lemon top ice cream, was the setting for the EAGA Gospel Choir’s visit this past weekend.

St Peter’s Church in Redcar, invited the choir to perform a concert in support of the Church's organ restoration appeal. Undeterred by the distance, we gladly accepted, as the choir regularly travels the length and breadth of the UK, as well as internationally to places like Spain and the Caribbean. 

Accompanied by their musical band, the choir arrived on the north-east coast to inspire the people of Redcar and its surrounding areas with a packed weekend of events, including a workshop, concert, church service, and a surprise appearance at St Peter’s Care Home, just across the road from the church.



Though the choir may have been unfamiliar to many locals (unless they had seen us on BBC's Songs of Praise or Britain’s Got Talent 2018), that quickly changed. The concert was a spectacular event, receiving rapturous applause to the glory of God. The choir performed a wide selection of songs, from traditional hymns like Abide with Me and You Raise Me Up to the upbeat, Sister Act-style Joyful, Joyful. In the second half, the choir elevated the energy with songs in Southern African languages, including Avulekile, Messiah, and Calvary. It was only fitting that the night concluded with the choir’s signature song, Oh Happy Day, encapsulating the true gospel message of Jesus Christ.

The workshop, led by the choir’s director Jordan Anderson and a team from the choir, was a resounding success. Participants learned various aspects of gospel music, from harmonising in vocal parts to other essential singing techniques. They had the opportunity to showcase what they had learned during the evening concert, performing alongside the choir in Calvary and Oh Happy Day.

The weekend also included a church service, where the choir’s uplifting music and message touched the hearts of all in attendance, leaving a lasting spiritual impact on the congregation.

Special thanks to the St Peter’s Church family, whose hospitality and warmth made the choir feel truly welcome throughout the entire weekend.



Photo of the workshop:



Please subscribe to our Mailing-list to keep up-to-date with news and events like these.

Decked in their renowned gowns of gold and royal blue, the EAGA choir descended upon Royal Wootton Bassett—formerly Wootton Bassett—a historic market town and civil parish in Wiltshire, for the wedding of Beth and Michael. The powerful sound of gospel music reverberated through the quiet town.

The choir launched immediately into high gear, delivering songs such as ‘higher and higher’ and their  BBC Gospel Choir of the year 2023 winning song ‘his eye is on the sparrow’ African medley in what was a breathtaking performance that moved some guests to tears, adding to the joy, emotion, and beauty of the wedding celebration.

 

Lovely video comment from father of the bride:

Congratulations are in order for Dr Abigail Udoma a former member of the EAGA Gospel Choir.

Abigail Udoma's recent PhD graduation ceremony from the De Montfort University was a momentous occasion, celebrated with joy and reverence by family, friends, and the academic community at her graduation party. Abigail’s journey through her doctoral studies was marked by dedication and resilience, qualities that were notably reflected in the celebration of her academic achievement.

The EAGA Gospel Choir played a central role in the evening’s celebrations. Their spirited performance included jubilant renditions of "Oh Happy Day" and "Avulekile," both of which resonated deeply with the audience and added a layer of celebratory exuberance to the proceedings.

Following the musical interlude, Abigail took the stage to deliver her speech. Her words were a blend of gratitude, reflection, and inspiration, capturing the essence of her academic journey and the support she received from her family, peers, and mentors. Her speech was met with enthusiastic applause, a testament to the respect and admiration she has garnered throughout her time at the university.

As a final touch to the evening, Abigail requested a special performance by the choir of "Rise Up," a beautiful piece sung by Sister Antonia Whyte. This selection was both a personal and communal homage to the perseverance and triumph embodied in Abigail’s academic achievements. The performance was a fitting conclusion to a celebration filled with both personal and collective significance.

Abigail Udoma’s PhD graduation was not only a celebration of her academic success but also a testament to the supportive network of family, friends, and the university community. The event was a vibrant blend of cultural pride, personal achievement, and communal celebration, marked by the enthusiastic participation of the EAGA Gospel Choir and the heartfelt involvement of Abigail's family.

See photos of the Choir at Abigail's graduation party:





 

Music is a universal and enriching experience for all to enjoy. At EAGA, we recognise the profound impact of gospel music, which goes beyond mere enjoyment to uplift, inspire, and encourage, even in the face of life’s challenges. We are passionate about spreading the uplifting message of gospel music, leaving both listeners and participants with joy and smiles.

The EAGA Gospel Choir has proudly partnered with Leicestershire & Rutland Age UK to offer workshops for individuals affected by dementia. We kindly ask for your support in promoting this initiative by sharing information about the workshop with carers, and if you know someone living with dementia, why not encourage them to sign up today?

This NHS blog further emphasizes the powerful connection between music and dementia.

This workshop runs every first Friday of the month. 

FREE to take part. If you are a carer or if you know someone with dementia who would benefit from this workshop please book by contacting: 0116 223 7363 or email dementia.support@ageukleics.org.uk

Knighton Park fun day.
The choir was there in performance.
A great event for all the family with inflatables, rides, demonstrations, entertainers, music, stalls, food and drink

St. Peter's Church, Redcar in the north-east coast of north Yorkshire hosted the EAGA Gospel choir who performed a concert, workshop and Church service on the 7th-8th September 2024.