On 7th November 2023 Living Song artists, associates, and friends came together at The Lab E20 in Stratford for a fantastically musical event celebrating all things Living Song! With music, food, drinks and speeches, it was the perfect opportunity to celebrate the Living Song community, but also to say a huge THANK YOU to Jane Wheeler, (Founder and outgoing Executive Director of Living Song), and to formally welcome our new Executive Director, Pam Hulme. Brilliantly compered by Joe Adelakun and Nathan Devonte, who also brought together Living Song Alumni singers to perform classics such as ‘O kame, kameme’ and ‘Better is One Day’, with some guest conducting from Naomi Scarlett, Amina Gichinga, Pam Hulme, and Itoya Osagiede, plus help on keys from Naveen Arles. Jane gave a beautiful speech woven around the Bantu word ‘Ubuntu‘, an African philosophy meaning: being human through other people. Some heartfelt messages from friends afar were read out, and guest choirs Forest Voices, Isle of Dogs Voices, and NewYVC joined in a vibrant whole-room performance of ‘Dna chickale’, led by Young Artist Richi Ekila. The evening culminated, of course, in a performance of ‘Living Song’ by David Brunner, the choral piece which inspired Jane Wheeler to give Living Song CIC it’s name. Many thanks to all who came to celebrate with us, especially those who sang or helped organise behind the scenes; it was a wonderful evening!