McCrea Financial services supports major new project to get Glasgow kids singing

McCrea Financial Services has celebrated its support for a major new project which has given hundreds of children across Glasgow the opportunity to perform with the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland’s orchestra.

The project, brought together 280 children from across ten schools, along with the 120-strong Bearsden Choir to perform Haydn’s Nelson Mass at Glasgow’s City Halls.

Rehearsals in schools across the city have been taking place for the last few months leading up to Sunday’s performance in front of a sell-out 800 strong audience.

All participating pupils received two free tickets for their family.

Andrew Nunn, Director, Bearsden Choir, said: “We’d like to thank McCrea Financial Services for their generous support of this project. The opportunity here is to raise aspiration by creating a transformative experience for the pupils. They have experienced working with a professional orchestra and singers, in a concert at one of the most iconic venues in Glasgow.

“We have a diverse range of schools involved, but the most important thing is that once you step on stage where you come from is irrelevant. Schools struggle – because of time and resource – to be able to offer these sorts of opportunities to experience classical music on this scale, and so we’re happy to be able to do so.

“We hope many will develop a lifelong love of singing, but more importantly show them that anything is possible.”

McCrea Financial Services Managing Director Douglas McCrea said: “McCrea Financial Services is passionate about providing opportunities for young people to excel in life. Whether we are supporting sport or the arts, our interest is in widening accessibility, and ensuring everyone can have a fair crack. This project is a superb example and we are delighted to provide our support.

“I enjoyed watching the performance this Sunday, knowing these young stars are going to have a day they will remember for the rest of their lives.”

The project has been commended in the Scottish Parliament, with Sandra White MSP for Glasgow Kelvin putting forward a motion which secured cross-party support. Part of the motion reads: “Parliament notes that the ethos behind the project is education and bringing choral music to a younger generation, creating opportunities, raising aspirations and leaving a lifelong impression on the young people involved; commends those involved in bringing the project together, including the £10,000 raised through private sponsorship, grant applications and Bearsden Choir’s own funds, which will also ensure that every child involved in the project will receive two free tickets for their family members to attend the performance to further remove barriers and allow complete open access; applauds the drive and determination of all involved, and wishes the project every success.”

McCrea Financial Services have been providing professional financial planning advice and assistance to individuals, businesses and charities since they were formed in 1999 by Managing Director, Douglas McCrea.

Based in Glasgow, but serving the whole of the UK, as well as clients abroad, McCreas pride themselves on a professional and friendly service.

As part of a commitment to the city where it all started, McCreas are principal sponsors of Partick Thistle and Glasgow Warriors, as well as supporting other major sports and events, including World No. 1 & Wimbledon Wheelchair Singles & Doubles champion Gordon Reid, the Scottish Seniors Golfing Society, and the Scottish Women in Sport Awards.

McCreas also have a long track record of supporting charity in Glasgow and beyond, having raised over £350,000 over the last decade. In 2016, the company is fundraising for Beatson Cancer Charity and Venture Scotland Trust.