We were proud to release our debut single ‘Always’ on Friday 17th November 2017 to raise money for Ipswich-based charity – and hit the charts!

Songwriter David Simon took words written in collaboration with patients about what the hospice meant to them and turned it into a lushly harmonic, uplifting pop song. It was recorded at Diss Corn Hall under the direction of Suffolk-based musician-producers Ian Curnow and Phil Harding, who have worked with Kylie Minogue, Take That, Rick Astley and Talk Talk among many, many others.

‘Always’ is available to download or stream from iTunes, Amazon and Spotify with profits going to the charity, or together with some other tracks on a limited-edition EP available from the choir, again with a percentage going to the charity.

The choir launched ‘Always’ at Ipswich Corn Exchange after joining Ipswich mayor, Cllr Sarah Barber, at the switching on of the town’s Christmas lights. We were delighted, a week later, to find ourselves reach number 65 in the official UK download chart!

“We’re thrilled to be recording such a beautiful song with such experienced producers.” said Yula. “It was very inspiring to hear from the patients what the Hospice means to them, so we’re humbled to use our singing to help raise awareness and money for this vital local charity. We’re amazed to have done so well in the download charts! to end up sandwiched between Ed Sheeran and Crag David was really punching above our weight, and testament to our members and everyone who’s supported us.”

Adrian Rawlinson, head of communications at St Elizabeth Hospice commented. “We cannot thank Yula and Pop Chorus enough. The quality of this song is beyond our wildest expectations. It is beautifully sung, professionally recorded, and produced, and the fact that the words have come from people who have experienced our care makes it even more special. It deserves to be very successful.”