Music Builds Communities with Emily Watson

It's a Christmas edition of Just The Tonic with Katie Derham!

Actor Emily Watson chats to Katie about her support for The Citizens of the World Choir. Emily, Oscar-nominated for her role as virtuoso cellist Jacqueline de Pré, is their patron. They provide a lifeline for refugees and migrants arriving alone in the UK, helping them integrate through the power of music.

Musical Director Becky Dell tells Katie about the growth of the choir - from its roots in the Calais Jungle to singing with the Royal Opera Chorus.

Episode 2 was all about the positive benefits of being in a choir. For members of the Citizens of the World choir, it's not just about singing, it's about becoming part of a community. 

Xmas is all about spending time with your family. But for Aref, and Naomi, who are in the UK on their own, their families are far away. They tell Katie how the choir has helped them integrate into their new communities and Londoner Alison chats about the positive effect it has on her.

The People's Orchestra have had their first Christmas concert in two years – luckily they held it at the beginning of December - it's the first time the orchestras and the choirs have all played together. Their Production Assistant Jamie Parker caught up with some as the excitement was building in rehearsals. 

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