London’s Threshold Choir is no ordinary choir.
There are no instruments, no background music, and no big performances, just a group of women with a lot of heart and angelic voices.
The choir, composed of approximately 18 women, sings at memorial services, community gatherings, and celebrations of life.
But, the choir’s biggest honour lies in singing in small groups at the bedside of people in palliative care.
When at bedside, the choir sings a capella in hushed, lullaby voices in order to provide comfort to individuals and their families during a difficult time.
“This is such a different way to use your voice. Usually in choirs you’re trying to put yourself out there, [you’re trying to] be clear, and be very present. Here, we’re hushed and we try to meld into each other’s voices,” said Threshold Choir member Sheila Horrell.
Snippet of a small group of the choir singing “Walking Each Other Home.”
Although the choir has a few Christian songs in their repertoire, most of the songs are not religiously oriented.
Elaine Zapitelli-Andrews, the choir’s director, says the majority of the songs were actually written by Threshold Choir members from across the world.
“The songs we sing are about gratitude, peace, and rest. [These songs] give people security in knowing that they were loved and appreciated and that they will be carried in others’ memories,“ she added.
How it all started
Kate Munger founded the Threshold choir almost two decades go in California. But, the London chapter came into
existence about a year and a half ago.
Besides directing the choir, Elaine Zapitelli-Andrews is an end-of-life companion
Zapitelli-Andrews came across a Threshold Choir post on her Facebook page and was inspired to create a London chapter.
She says it was difficult to find singers at first. The people who would compose the choir would have to be comfortable with the idea of singing to those who are in the final stages of their lives.
But, after a few months, Zapitelli-Andrews gathered a group of strong women who were ready to sing to those who needed it the most.
She says watching the effect of this particular way of singing has been the most rewarding experience of her life.
“Getting to witness the line of the person’s forehead start to soften and their breathing start to regulate and seeing peace wash over them, there’s nothing better than that,” Zapitelli-Andrews added.
Bringing comfort in a time of sorrow
Choir member Suzanne Grigg says it is an honour to offer her voice at such a sacred time in a person’s life
“This kind of music gives so much comfort and peace to the person we are singing for and to their family. But, also in the process, I find it brings me great comfort, because, as I am working with the harmonies and weaving around other voices, I’m going on the journey myself and it’s just exquisite,” she added.
Listen to a small group of London’s Threshold Choir sing “Sweet, Sweet Dreams” below
https://soundcloud.com/sofiarodriguezbj/threshold-choir-sings-sweet-sweet-dreams
Sheila Horrell is another Threshold Choir member.
When she started singing with the choir, she worried how she would respond if family members got emotional while they sang.
But, as soon as she started singing at bedside, she felt at ease.
“When I looked at them and was singing tenderly to them, it was like I was kind of holding them with my voice -with all our voices- together. Because we were doing something purposeful and meaningful and giving peace to somebody else, it was easy to be in that spot,” she said.
Horrell says although she has years of singing experience, it is singing with this choir where she feels her voice has a purpose.
“This is the place where true service of my voice is needed and appreciated. So, it’s kind of a giving back in a sense, although, I get as much as I give,” she added.
Hear the full interview with Suzanne Grigg and Sheila Horrell of the Threshold Choir below
https://soundcloud.com/sofiarodriguezbj/threshold-choir-london-chapter
The women of the Threshold Choir volunteer their time and their voices to people in hospices and nursing homes across the city.
The group sings completely free of charge.
“It’s our gift to those who need it. It’s a small offering, but I’ve seen it make a big difference,” added Elaine Zapitelli-Andrews, the choir’s director.
