International Staff Songsters to hit high note in South Shields

The Salvation Army’s leading choir The International Staff Songsters (ISS) are to perform at a special festival weekend with South Shields Salvation Army. 

In a concert open to members of the public, the celebrated vocal group will sing at a Saturday Festival on 25 April at Whitburn Church of England School and on Sunday 26 April at South Shields Salvation Army in Wawn Street. 

The International Staff Songsters are renowned for their vocal music-making in the UK and around the world, believing passionately in the power of music and singing to share God’s love and bring people and communities together.

The festival weekend comes as the church and charity marks more than a quarter of a century serving the community from its current building in Wawn Street.  

Captain Callum Newton, who leads South Shields Salvation Army with his wife Captain Emma, said: “We’re delighted to be hosting The International Staff Songsters. It's a big deal for us to have them visit because music has been such a huge part of South Shields Salvation Army for many years. George Marshall, one of The Salvation Army’s most prominent national bandmasters and music writers, was a bandmaster at South Shields, and we still have a thriving band and Songsters brigade (choir) here. 

“It’s going to be a really entertaining weekend and an opportunity for the community to come together to experience the joy of music. They are a premier choir at the top of their game, who can be enjoyed by anyone and everyone. You don’t need to be a member of The Salvation Army to attend, and I’m sure that if you have an appreciation for music you’ll enjoy coming along and hearing them sing.”

The South Shields Songster Brigade and the Band will join with the Staff Songsters to perform at the Sunday festival. 

An active church and community hub, The Salvation Army has been in South Shields for more than 150 years, and in its current building for more than 25 years, serving people through a drop-in three times a week, a children’s programme with a parent and toddler group and children’s club, and through its music and worship meetings. 

The ISS, which tours all over the world, was founded 46 years ago to sing ‘heart songs’ of the Salvation Army. Today, this includes praise hymns, classical songs and contemporary choral music from Salvation Army composers like Richard Phillips and Stephen Pearson, and artists such as Dan Forrest, Ola Gjeilo, Mark Hayes and John Rutter.

The Saturday Festival will take place at Septimus Hall, Whitburn Church of England School, South Shields, SR6 7EF at 7pm. Tickets are £12 for adults and free for children under 15. For tickets email linda.ledingham@salvationarmy.org.uk 

On the Sunday they will perform at Family Worship at 10.30am and at a Free Praise Festival at 2pm at The Salvation Army in Wawn Street, NE33 4EB.