UK Charity Nordoff Robbins Raises $400,000 With Christmas Concert (Video)

The lineup for the Dec. 15 concert featured Sir Cliff Richard, Sir Rod Stewart, Tony Bennett, Neil Young, Robbie Williams, Florence Welch and many more, who all contributed recorded performances that were streamed on the night – many of them Christmas carols.

Nile Rodgers hosted the show, his band Chic was among those performing as well.

The event has raised $400,000 so far, donations are still being accepted until Jan. 5. Until then, the concert stream will remain available on demand.

Nordoff Robbins receives no direct government funding, and relies on the generosity of its supporters. The money raised will be used to recuperate some of the funding gap lost this year due to COVID.

Nile Rodgers commented: “I’m very happy to have been able to do this for Nordoff Robbins and that Merck [Mercuriadis] and I were able to bring so many of our artist friends along in support of Nordoff Robbins’ important work. 

“Thank you to those who gave generously and I hope this continues to bring joy to everyone throughout this holiday season. It’s crucial that we raise as much as possible for Nordoff Robbins to continue to provide music therapy to every who needs it. It truly makes such a difference.”

Significant donations came from Sony ATV and YouTube Music.

Merck Mercuriadis, founder of the Hipgnosis Songs Fund, commented: “We’ve had an incredible year at Hipgnosis, which we are extremely grateful for, but we are very aware 2020 has not been a comfortable year for the vast majority of the planet. 

“This has made it virtually impossible for people that know, appreciate and support the incomparable work of Nordoff Robbins to be as generous as they have been in the past. It was therefore important that we give back in a way that would help bridge that financial gap. Hipgnosis, Nile and I are delighted to have not only supported financially but also to have had the support of so many wonderful artists and friends, both in and outside of the Hipgnosis Family, to ensure this is almost as special as the work of the Nordoff Robbins therapists it is in aid of. 

“I hope everyone will take advantage of the on demand feature which makes it possible to enjoy this over and over again throughout the holidays. Please enjoy and give what you can.”

Sandra Schembri, CEO of Nordoff Robbins, said: “What a truly amazing night. Christmas is all about coming together, and music plays such a huge part in those celebrations, so to see everyone come together to support Nordoff Robbins through the gift of music this Christmas is simply wonderful.  

Not only was the event amazing, but so is the money that has been raised so far. This year we’ve lost over half of our income due to the pandemic, yet we have seen demand for our services increase, so the [money] raised will help Nordoff Robbins to provide more music therapy for people like Thomas, Innez, Ava and Dot, who you all saw throughout the night.”

Nordoff Robbins’ annual event usually takes place in the 900-capacity St Luke’s Church in Chelsea, whose choir and reverend also contributed to the night.