Wayne Ellington & Manchester Inspirational Voices / UK
United in love with music and faith, Manchester Inspirational Voices is one of the most recognised and recognisable community choirs. Since its beginnings in 2006, the choir has been led by Wayne Ellington, carrying the message of hope to many parts of Manchester and beyond. The importance of the choir for the community remains unquestionable – it is a haven for everyone, a stress-free zone where its members can forget themselves, let themselves be carried away by music, surrounded by the support and love of friends.
MIV has earned a reputation as one of the best gospel choirs in north-western UK, and its exceptional sound ensured its participation in the final of the BBC Songs of Praise Gospel Choir competition in 2016. Wayne Ellington carefully and meticulously leads the group, using a holistic approach to mind, body and spirit and the impact they have on sound quality and expression. New members of the choir are always greeted with open arms and rehearsals throughout the year are interwoven with concerts, during which the choir presents the repertoire of famous gospel composers as well as original works.
During the EthnoKraków/Crossroads 2019 festival, on the open-air stage of the Nowa Huta Cultural Centre, we will hear contemporary gospel works by Donnie McClurkin, Edwin Hawkins, Hezekiah Walker, as well as original works by members of the choir.
Wayne Ellington is an outstanding jazz and gospel singer, teacher, conductor and composer. He began his musical career at a very young age in a church, where he sang in a band together with his siblings. He is a graduate of the Faculty of Art and Music of London's Brunel University, and winner of the Sheridan Instrumental Prize for outstanding vocal skills. Wayne is a versatile musician – he has performed in musicals; as a backing vocalist of pop music stars, he gives concerts with many gospel choirs in the international arena, and conducts vocal workshops in various parts of the world. He is the originator of the Manchester International Gospel Festival, a lecturer at the Royal Northern College of Music, founder and director of Manchester Inspirational Voices, a dynamic community choir in the heart of Manchester, which he has been conducting for 12 years. At the turn of 2016 and 2017, the choir received the BBC Songs of Praise Gospel Choir of the Year award.
The concert took place in 2019.