By Isle of Wight Observer
On Saturday, July 5, at 2.30pm in Newport Minster, the Phoenix Choir will deliver their final performance of songs from films, musicals and other genres.
The choir’s last concert is a special fund-raising performance for Hampshire & Isle of Wight Air Ambulance. Everyone, including past patients of the service, are invited to this afternoon’s event which is free of charge with a retiring collection.
The choir was formed in 2009 and, during their 16-year lifespan, has performed more than 75 times and raised more than £70,000 for Island charities and causes. Their concerts have been held mainly in churches, many visited on a number of occasions.
In 2023 and in 2024, the choir backed Russell Watson, the acclaimed operatic tenor, at sell-out events held at All Saints’ Church in Ryde.
Robin Burnett, the choir’s musical director, said: “This performance gives us and the audience the opportunity of showing appreciation for the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Air Ambulance’s indispensable service. They are truly life-savers – any one of us could need them at any time.
“It also enables us to thank all those who have supported the choir over the years. I would particularly like to pay tribute to the Phoenix members themselves, without whom the choir would not have existed.
“My grateful thanks to you all.”
Tilly Walder 
Isle of Wight Observer