Virtual charity single by a Harborough’s orchestra raises hundreds of pounds for charity

A virtual Christmas charity single by Harborough’s Phoenix Saxophone Orchestra has raised over £800 for a crucial local charity.

The fabulous festive effort has raked in £839 for Voluntary Action South Leicestershire (VASL) – more than triple the £250 fundraising target set by the group.

The orchestra’s sizzling version of Gaudete! features 14 saxophonists playing six different types of saxophone.

Their YouTube video has also been a huge success, being viewed about 500 times.

Phoenix Saxophone Orchestra’s Communications Director Jane Smith said: “We’d like to thank everyone who has supported this project and helped us raise this fantastic amount for VASL.

“Every penny counts and we simply couldn’t have done it without you!”

Phoenix saluted the parishioners of St Peter and St Paul’s Church in Harrington, where some of the saxophonists supported an outdoor carol concert at Christmas, for their £124 donation.

Local band The Arthur Park generated £135 by auctioning a rare copy of their limited edition vinyl single The Life of Stanley and PR company LE16 Communications got the ball rolling with a £100 donation.

Maureen O’Malley, Charity Manager for VASL, said “We are so grateful to Phoenix Sax for this considerable donation to our funds.

“To produce something which brings such pleasure to those who hear it is a very special gift.

“We thank all of the musicians and those involved in promoting this single, as well as those of you who made donations.”

She added: “The money raised will be used to support those in our community who are lonely and isolated and those who are caring for family members.”

If you’d like to back the project supporting VASL, you can still donate at justgiving.com/fundraising/PhoenixSax

The talented musicians who power the Phoenix Saxophone Orchestra are now back rehearsing fortnightly over Zoom.

You can find out more about them on their website www.phoenixsax.org.uk