THE uplifting sound of hundreds of children's voices reverberated around Bury's Castle Leisure Centre at the weekend.

Around 600 pupils from 16 local primary schools took part in the second annual "Children of Bury Sing!" event.

The two concerts, which attracted a combined audience of 1,300, took place on Saturday and Sunday evenings.

Organised by The Vivace Charitable Trust, the concerts climaxed weeks of rehearsals by all the primary schools taking part.

Saturday's event also saw the first performance outside London of a special musical, entitled "Admiral Odysseus", which featured pupils of Bury Church of England High School and talented youngsters attached to Bury Youth Orchestra.

The first concert brought a varied range of musical items, everything from The Beatles "Octopus's Garden" to a rendition of Joe South's 1960s hit "The Games People Play."

Vivace Charitable Trust director Mr George Kearton told the audience: "Some of the songs you will hear will be prayers, protest songs and those from the shows - in fact, every type of song imaginable." Hollins Grundy County Primary in Greenmount and Ribble Drive County Primary, Whitefield, featured musical items written by their own teachers which were premiered on Saturday evening.

That night saw nine schools taking part, the others being Chesham County; Fairfield County; St Stephen's County, all Bury; Holly Mount RC, Greenmount; St Hilda's CE, Prestwich; Whitefield County and St John's CE , Radcliffe.

Sunday's concert featured a further seven primary schools - Cams Lane and Chapelfield , both Radcliffe; Emmanuel Holcombe CE, Holcombe; Chantlers and Old Hall County and Guardian Angels RC , all Bury, and Higher Lane County Junior, Whitefield.

Established in 1997, Vivace stages many similar schools concerts and works closely with local education authorities.

At the weekend, Mr Kearton paid tribute to the enthusiasm and assistance shown by local education bosses.

"We were very pleased to be back in Bury. Of all the local authorities we work with, Bury is the most supportive," he said.

On Saturday, after each of the nine schools had performed two musical pieces, the massed choirs were an integral part of the "Admiral Odysseus" musical. The choir, soloists and orchestra were conducted by Mr Paul Jarvis, head of Bury Music Centre. Mr Kearton was delighted at the success of the two weekend concerts, supported by the Bury Times. And the good news is that the event is likely to be repeated for a third successive year in 2000.

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