Stolen Orchestra Van

I'm appealing for help after a recording weekend ended in disaster for an arts charity when their white Fiat van containing sound and video recording equipment, percussion instruments, drum kits and staging curtains worth thousands of pounds was stolen from Birmingham City Centre on Sunday 23 January 2022 between 6.30pm and 8.30pm.

Over the weekend, The People’s Orchestra and singers from The People’s Show Choirs had been recording a new work by award-winning film composer John Koutselinis celebrating the Commonwealth Games. this summer

This is a disaster for our small charity. The vehicle and equipment are the result of many years of fundraising and they will take a long time to replace. It’s a devasting blow and if anyone knows anything, please contact the police. Our charity helps a lot of people through its music making but now we need your help.

I am raising raise money to replace the instruments and equipment thieves stole it from Gough Street close to Trefoil House in Birmingham City Centre.

If anyone has any information, please contact the police on 101, crime reference number 20/102908/22.

Notes to editors

• The People’s Show Choir is an initiative by The People’s Orchestra, an award-winning Midlands-based arts charity with an overriding vision to share the fun of music making and keep people playing and singing music. The charity runs one of the leading amateur orchestras in the country, two rusty players orchestras for anyone who wants to play music but hasn’t played for some time or is new to playing an instrument, a big band, and a network of show choirs. Known for its musical excellence and exciting repertoire celebrating the world of film, game, popular classical music, TV and show music, the main orchestra was chosen as one of the five best and most inspiring amateur orchestras in the country appearing on the BBC’s All Together Now: Great Orchestra Challenge.

• The charity was awarded The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in June 2021 and has a history of offering work placements and volunteer experiences. Since 2013, it has helped over 1,000 unemployed people back into work through its award-winning programme of work experience placements, education programmes and community outreach work.