THE SOUND OF MUSIC COMES TO THE WHARF
THE success of hit US TV show Glee has inspired many high schools and universities to launch show choirs – and now it seems not even London’s financial sector is immune to the lure of a good sing-along.
Hence the launch of the Canary Wharf Choir, an open singing group for those that live and work in the shadows of the Docklands’ skyscrapers.
Following on the success of the area’s annual Candles and Carols Service, the choir will bring together keen performers for more regular shows, including a series of open-air concerts over the summer.
Battling for his place among the male leads will no doubt be John Tripp, an executive director at Morgan Stanley and one of the driving forces behind the choir. As Tripp says: “Over the past few years there has been a burgeoning interest in singing and we’ve seen choirs developing in new and unexpected places, including the workplace.”
With no auditions required to join the group, the resulting melodies could prove interesting, but with the inaugural ‘fun-sing’ event on 14 March, budding sopranos should at least have plenty of time to practice.
GOING UNDERGROUND
The Old London Underground Company has already got Boris Johnson on its side – a “rash promise” from the Mayor means that entrepreneur Ajit Chambers has scored a meeting with Tfl reps to discuss converting 26 disused tube stations into “tourist attractions and business venues”. Now Chambers is on the hunt for investors, and he’s aiming high.
A marketing email from Chambers calls for help establishing “a hedge fund that can be floated worldwide to bring in investment”. With promises that the scheme will make £40m for Londoners, it looks like he’s after a pretty impressive set of figures to take before the transport officials next week.