Islington choir sing Arsenal chants at Emirates Stadium
Chants from the terraces are not known for sounding sweet – but that all changed when Islington Choral Society took to the stands at Arsenal’s ground.
Decked in the Gunners’ red-and-white hats and scarves, the singers took a break from choral fare such as Handel’s Messiah and Bach’s Christmas Oratorio to perform traditional Arsenal chants such as Good Old Arsenal and Ooh to be a Gooner – which had been arranged into five-part harmonies by a professional composer.
The performance at the Emirates Stadium, in Ashburton Grove, Holloway, was filmed and sent out by e-mail as part of Arsenal Football Club’s 2012 Christmas message.
John Leslie, chairman of Islington Choral Society, which normally rehearses at Highbury Baptist Church in Highbury Place, Highbury, said: “With many an Arsenal fan in our ranks, I know some were especially pleased to be able to flex their vocal skills and show support for the Arsenal family at Christmas time.”
Singer Cary Bazalgette added: “I’ve often seen how really strong crowd support can lift the players’ determination – fingers crossed our film will get everyone belting out the songs on Boxing Day!”
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Arsenal are set to face West Ham United on December 26.
n To watch the video go to www.arsenal.com/choir
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n To hear Islington Choral Society sing their more usual repertoire, head to the Church of St Alban the Martyr Church in Brooke Street, Holborn, at 6.30pm on Saturday, December 15, when the choir will be performing Verdi’s Requiem. For tickets, visit www.wegottickets.com/event/187818
