The Choir with No Name (CWNN) is a community choir for people affected by homelessness and others going through tough times.
The Cardiff choir, a partnership initiative with The Wallich, welcomes members of the community who support each other, and sing together, at whatever stage of their journey they are on.
Anyone who enjoys music and singing can join the inclusive choir.
For two years, the choir played a series of smaller gigs and honed their performance skills.
In 2024, the time finally came to welcome Cardiff’s Choir With No Name to the stage for its very first ‘Big Gig’ in the city.
The much-anticipated gig was held at Tabernacle Church in the centre of Cardiff, and they were joined by guest choir South Wales Gay Men’s Chorus.
The audience watched the choir’s renditions of modern classics including ‘Light my Fire’ by The Doors and Queen medley including songs such as ‘We Will Rock You’ and ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’.
The event was kindly sponsored by Vale Consultancy.
Mirroring their average day of rehearsal, they spent time rehearsing, followed by a hot meal.
Only, this time they enjoyed free pizzas from Franco Manca and vegan curry from Atma Lounge.
During the performance, we heard from the CWNN with interwoven performances by South Wales Gay Men’s Chorus and a surprise appearance from members of ‘Open Verse’.
The ‘Open Verse’ piece was a collaboration between CWNN Cardiff, The Wallich Story Project and Grand Ambitions Swansea.
During the interval, ticket buyers had the opportunity to have a chat over a cuppa and cake, as well as buy tote bags and t-shirts – which sold like hot cakes – or make a donation.
All of which helped the choir raise their sum of almost £700.
The money raised will go back into the running of the choir, transport and that hearty hot meal each week at rehearsal.
The sum of the effort was shown during their finale as we heard a joint song from the CWNN, South Wales Gay Men’s Chorus and members of Open Verse. The performances were greeted with a standing ovation from the crowd.
“Our gig was a place of happiness and joy, full of talent and it was so enjoyable”
“It was so amazing to finally put on our own gig and to see so many people in the audience supporting our choir.
The joy in the room from our members and South Wales Gay Men’s Chorus all sharing the experience together was beautiful.
We’ll be putting on a Christmas gig too so keep an eye out for that one!”
We’d like to say thank you to all those who helped make the day happen and make it extra special.
The choir is gratefully funded by The Tudor Trust and National Lottery Awards for All Wales.
If you have experienced homelessness and are looking for a community, Cardiff’s CWNN are always looking for new members.
Choir welcomes all singers – whether you think you’re good… or you just love to sing!
Rehearsals always promise warm food and a good catch up with friends.
Practices are every Tuesday from 6pm – 7.30pm in St Paul’s Community Hall, Grangetown.
