Liberty Choir UK

Liberty Choir UK is a registered nonprofit organization and charity (Charity number 1173799) based in the United Kingdom that promotes the rehabilitation of prisoners by establishing choirs within prisons. The charity’s core mission is to build skills and capacity in offenders through high-quality singing programs aimed at reducing reoffending and fostering social inclusion among socially excluded populations.

History and Purpose

Founded in 2014, Liberty Choir UK creates inclusive choirs in prisons, bringing together prisoners and volunteers from the community to engage in weekly rehearsals and performances. The organization operates under the premise that music has transformative power to heal, rehabilitate, and connect people across societal divides. By offering prisoners the opportunity to participate in choirs, Liberty Choir helps build self-confidence, social skills, and a sense of community, which assist members in integrating back into society after release.

Activities

Liberty Choir runs choirs in 10 prisons, including all prisons in Surrey and about half of those in London and Sussex. The charity plans to expand its reach into at least four additional prisons in 2025, with ongoing discussions to further extend its programs. Choirs typically consist of around 20 prisoners and 20 community volunteers, fostering collaboration and mutual support.

The charity stages regular performances, including events such as the Friends & Family concert at HMP Brixton, held in historic prison chapels, which provide choir members with an opportunity to showcase their progress and talent. Such events contribute to the choir members’ sense of achievement, promoting rehabilitation through artistic expression.

Leadership and Patronage

Liberty Choir UK was co-founded by MJ Paranzino, an experienced director of community choirs and vocal workshops. She oversees the musical direction and training of musical staff for the prison choirs.

The organization has notable patrons, including Cherie Blair CBE QC, an international lawyer and campaigner for women’s rights, who supports the choir’s mission. Other key figures include ambassadors and trustees involved in prison reform and the arts.

Governance and Funding

Liberty Choir UK is governed by six trustees and supported by approximately 183 volunteers. The charity’s income for the year ending December 31, 2023, was approximately £349,103, with expenditures totaling around £268,006. It operates without remunerating its trustees and does not have trading subsidiaries. Funding is used exclusively to further the choir programs within prisons and to expand their reach.

The charity has received grants from organizations such as the King Charles III Charitable Fund to support its activities.

Impact

Liberty Choir UK is recognized for its innovative contribution to prisoner rehabilitation and social inclusion through music. Testimonials from prison governors and external observers highlight the choir’s role in humanizing the prison experience and fostering kindness, discipline, and community through song.

The organization exemplifies the potential of arts-based interventions to support offender rehabilitation and reduce social exclusion in the UK.

Liberty Choir UK continues to expand its presence in the prison system, unlocking hearts and building futures through the power of communal singing.

[1] https://libertychoir.org [2] https://libertychoir.org/who-we-are/ [3] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/5102001 [4] https://donate.biggive.org/campaign/a056900002MSDVdAAP [5] https://www.kccf.org.uk/kccf-and-liberty-choir-experience-the-transformative-power-of-music/