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Music Memories: Bringing Memories to Life Through Music

Music Memories: Bringing Memories to Life Through Music

Dec 4, 2025

 

We’re thrilled to announce that Music Memories will launch on Tuesday 6 January and will continue every two weeks thereafter for at least FREE 10 sessions (all locations to be confirmed).

We’re so grateful to Leeds City Council for their support in making this project possible.

Our fantastic facilitators will be visiting seniors across Woodhouse, Little London and Chapeltown, bringing with them a gorgeous record player and a carefully chosen selection of vinyl.

Each visit is designed to do more than play music – it’s about sparking memories, laughter and conversation, and creating moments of genuine connection. It’s amazing how a single song can bring a room to life, unlock stories tucked away for years, and fill hearts with nostalgia and joy.

We’ll be spending time with members of Leeds Black Elders Forum, Leeds Older People’s Forum and many other groups where older residents meet, share and enrich community life. With the support of Leeds City Council, we’re proud to launch a project that will bring comfort, companionship and a little bit of magic to our community every step of the way.

 

Find out more about Music Memories

 

 

 

This project is funded by Leeds City Council which means we can offer free sessions to seniors in our local communities. 

 

A Night of Hope, Music and Community: Kidney Research Yorkshire Gala Dinner

A Night of Hope, Music and Community: Kidney Research Yorkshire Gala Dinner

Dec 4, 2025

On Saturday 1 November 2025, the historic Queens Hotel in Leeds came alive for a truly unforgettable evening — the Kidney Research Yorkshire Gala Dinner. The event was completely sold out, bringing together supporters, families and friends for a night of fine dining, entertainment and meaningful fundraising for a cause that affects so many in our communities.

As many of you know, Music House much loved and admired trustee Sheila Howarth lives with kidney disease and undergoes kidney dialysis three times a week, each session lasting four hours — a gruelling routine by any standard. Yet Sheila never complains. Her strength, grace and commitment to others continue to inspire everyone around her.

Despite her own health challenges, Sheila played a key role in organising this year’s Gala Dinner, an event designed not only to raise vital funds for research but also to shine a light on a condition that disproportionately affects Black and Asian communities. Kidney disease is often silent until it is advanced, making awareness and early understanding essential.

One of the highlights of the night was a stunning performance by the Music House Gospel Choir, invited by Sheila herself and led by Creative Director Christella Litras. Their uplifting performance filled the ballroom with energy and emotion. A special moment came when 14-year-old Carmen, Sheila’s granddaughter, stepped forward to deliver powerful lead vocals — a performance met with huge applause and plenty of proud tears.

Guests enjoyed a champagne reception, a three-course dinner and a fabulous evening of live entertainment, along with a silent auction and raffle to boost fundraising for life-changing kidney research.

Reflecting on the night, Sheila shared:

“Kidney disease is a silent killer, especially in Black and Asian communities. We need more understanding, more awareness and more research. Last night showed what can happen when people come together with love and purpose. I’m so grateful to everyone who supported us — we really can make a difference.”

From the music to the stories shared, the Gala Dinner was a powerful reminder of the impact we can have when we stand together.

Together, we really can make a difference.

To support Kidney Research Yorkshire and to donate please click here


Sheila Howarth and her husband.

A Legacy in Every Note: Fay Atherton’s Piano Finds a New Home at Music House

A Legacy in Every Note: Fay Atherton’s Piano Finds a New Home at Music House

Nov 20, 2025

Music House welcomed a beautiful gift with a beautiful story behind it.

A piano once loved and played by Fay Atherton has been donated to us by her son Mark, after Fay sadly passed away at the age of 90.

Fay was a piano teacher whose quiet patience and steady hands helped many children discover their confidence and their sound.

Mark shared, “Mum was a piano teacher. She taught my daughter to play and she was affectionately known as Granny Fay to her grandchildren. As she is no longer with us, we have decided to donate the piano to a good home.

Mum would be so pleased it’s gone to Music House where it can really make a difference to other people’s musical journey.”

We are incredibly grateful for this thoughtful gift. Fay’s piano will live on in the hands of new young players, carrying her love of music forward note by note.

Mark and his family have expressed a desire to come to Music House in December to hear how his beloved Mum’s legacy will live on. We cannot wait to meet and greet them and have a good chat over a cup of tea and to hear more about Fay’s wonderful life.

From her photo, we can see what a kind, beautiful woman she was and is.

   

 

   

Music House Gospel Choir Shine at WYCA Celebration

Music House Gospel Choir Shine at WYCA Celebration

Nov 12, 2025

We’re delighted to share that the Music House Gospel Choir were invited to perform at the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) staff celebration at Wakefield Exchange on the morning of Wednesday 12 November.

The invitation came personally from the office of Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, and it was an honour for our choir to kick off the day on stage from 9.30am, performing for around 30 minutes as over 450 staff members gathered to celebrate.

Under the expert direction of Leroy Johnson, with creative support from our brilliant Creative Director, Christella Listras, the choir delivered uplifting renditions including Shackles and Emmanuel. Their energy and harmonies set the perfect tone for the morning — and judging by the photos, even Mayor Tracy was dancing along and fully in the moment!

A special highlight of the performance was Zak, one of our very own local talents and a Channel 4 The Piano finalist. Having supported Zak on his musical journey, we were so proud to see him mesmerise the audience with his incredible piano playing. His performance perfectly complemented the choir and was a shining example of local talent nurtured and celebrated.

In total, 24 choir members generously gave up their time to be part of the event, and as always, they were absolutely fantastic.

We’re so proud of our Gospel Choir for representing Music House so brilliantly and for helping showcase the remarkable talent we’re lucky to support in our community.

(Photos featuring Christella, Zak and Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire ..videos will be available soon)

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Music House Celebrated at Leeds Compassionate City Awards

Music House Celebrated at Leeds Compassionate City Awards

Nov 10, 2025

Music House is thrilled to have been recognised at this year’s Leeds Compassionate City Awards, which celebrate the individuals and organisations making a real difference across Leeds. Taking place on Thursday 6 November, the awards shine a light on the everyday work of people and community groups who make the city a better place to live, work and visit.

We were amazed to have been nominated for Community Organisation or Project of the Year and even prouder that our very talented Creative Director, Christella Litras was also shortlisted for an individual award.

The event took place on Thursday 6 November 2025. We are overjoyed to announce that Music House is ‘highly commended’ in the category Community Organisation or Project of the Year.

“This award is such an honour,” said Sheila Rani Sispal, Marketing and Communications. “It reflects the hard work, passion and creativity of everyone at Music House, and the amazing support we receive from our community. We are proud to be part of a city that values compassion and creativity.”

Christella Litras added, “I’m incredibly inspired by our team and the young people we work with every day. Being recognised in this way is a wonderful reminder of why we do what we do, and it inspires us to keep growing and supporting our community through music.”

It was such a special evening celebrating the amazing work being done across Leeds to make our city a kinder, more compassionate place. We had a wonderful time connecting with so many inspiring people and sharing the Music House story.

A huge thank you to our brilliant team, the children and families we work with and everyone who supports us – this award is for you too!

The event was attended by:
Trustees: David Hughes, Nick Wayne, Sheila Howarth
Creative Director, Christella Litras
Marketing and Communications, Sheila Rani Sispal

       

Sheila Howarth: A Local Hero, A Lifelong Champion of Young People

Sheila Howarth: A Local Hero, A Lifelong Champion of Young People

Jul 17, 2025

Sheila Howarth is one of our amazing Trustees—and a true force for good in Leeds. After 25 years of dedicated service, she’s retiring from Leeds City Academy, where she changed countless lives through her support, honesty and fierce belief in young people.

One former student said it best:
“I was always in trouble—detention, isolation, nearly excluded—but Mrs Howarth never gave up on me. She fought for me and fought with me. Even now, years after I left, she’s still opening doors for me. I wouldn’t be where I am without her.”

That’s who Sheila is. A second mum. A champion. A mentor. A relentless advocate for the next generation.

As well as her work in education, Sheila has been Front of House Manager at Leeds Playhouse for over 30  years—welcoming audiences with warmth, care and that unmistakable Sheila sparkle.

Beyond the school gates and theatre walls, she’s just as inspiring. Sheila works tirelessly in her Chapeltown community—leading, uplifting, and creating spaces for young people to shine. She founded the UK’s first Young Reggae Choir, who had the incredible honour of performing at King Charles’ Coronation Concert. And every summer, she hand-makes dazzling carnival costumes for Unity Carnival Arts—a vibrant children’s troupe she leads with pride and purpose.

This year’s theme is “Wings of Peace”—a beautiful celebration of hope, freedom and togetherness. With shimmering feathers, radiant colours and joyful energy, Unity Carnival Arts is a living reflection of everything Sheila stands for: unity, creativity and lifting others up.

Her creativity, kindness and commitment ripple through everything she touches. And if you’ve heard the name Carmen—Sheila’s gifted granddaughter with a voice beyond her years—you’ll know Sheila’s legacy is already being carried forward.

From classrooms to carnival routes, from choir rehearsals to theatre foyers, Sheila is the heart and soul of so many good things. We’re endlessly grateful for her wisdom, her humour, and her huge, generous heart.

She’s one in a million—and we’re so lucky she’s one of ours.

.               

Left to right:
Sheila Howarth.
A  plaque in Sheila’s honour.
Sheila with her brother Raymond who’s also retiring from his job at Leeds City Academy after 23 years service (and has been honoured with a plaque in his name also).

Back In The House | Live at Leeds Playhouse – Saturday 19 July

Back In The House | Live at Leeds Playhouse – Saturday 19 July

Jul 2, 2025

Following last year’s sold-out triumph, Music House is back on the main stage – and this time, it’s even bigger, bolder and bursting with brilliance.

Taking over Leeds Playhouse on the evening of Saturday 19 July, Music House: Back in the House  promises a joyful, high-energy showcase of local talent, fresh original sounds and genre-bending musical performances that celebrate the diverse voices of our city.

From the signature R&B grooves of acclaimed composer and musical director Christella Litras, to powerful rap, spine-tingling classical arrangements and soul-lifting Gospel harmonies, this is not just a concert – it’s a full-blown musical experience.

The evening features the sensational Music House Gospel Choir, whose recent appearance on Channel 5’s Winter on the Farm won hearts across the UK – and a very special guest appearance from Zak, Leeds’ own breakout star of Channel 4’s The Piano. Expect surprise collaborations, boundary-pushing artistry, and a night that will leave you dancing in the aisles.

Whether you’re a long-time Music House fan or new to the scene, this is a night you won’t want to miss.

GET YOUR TICKETS HERE  OR from Leeds Playhouse Box Office 
Ticket Price: £10

Book now – and get ready to be blown away.

 

Zak captivates audiences in Sheffield Station #The Piano

Zak captivates audiences in Sheffield Station #The Piano

Apr 28, 2025

Zak a talented young pianist from Leeds, wowed national audiences with a heartfelt performance on Channel 4’s hit show The Piano this week (on Sunday 27 April 2025)

His moving appearance on the acclaimed series, hosted by Claudia Winkleman, has captured the hearts of viewers – showcasing not only technical excellence but pure passion for music.

‘It’s been a dream come true to share my music on such a big stage’ Zak shared.

Looking ahead, Zak hopes to continue sharing his  music with wider audiences through performances, recordings and collaborations.

For interviews, event bookings or more information please get in touch:

Sheila Sispal
sheila@music-house.org.uk
0113 243 1605

Music House Young Talent Set to Wow the Nation on The Piano

Music House Young Talent Set to Wow the Nation on The Piano

Apr 10, 2025

Two rising stars from Leeds-based Music House, Zak and Carmen, will soon appear on national television as they feature in the upcoming audition shows of Channel 4’s much-loved music series The Piano, which returns on Sunday 13 April 2025.

The pair, both familiar faces at Music House, regularly perform at their events and have become firm favourites with their audiences who will be delighted to see them take their talents to television. They were selected to take part in the new series following stand-out auditions held at public pianos in busy train stations across the UK. Zac’s audition was filmed in Sheffield, while Carmen’s took place in Newcastle. Viewers can look forward to watching both young musicians share their passion and talent in front of the cameras.

Produced by Love Productions, The Piano shines a light on real people with a deep love for music. From train platforms to television screens, the show celebrates those who play for joy, healing, and connection. The show offers an extraordinary opportunity for some to go even further on their musical journeys.

Christella Litras, Creative Director at Music House, shared her excitement:
“We are incredibly proud of Zak and Carmen. Their commitment, creativity and courage are a joy to witness, and it’s wonderful to see them recognised on such a special platform. They both have bright futures ahead of them and we can’t wait to see what comes next.”

Zak added:
 “I’m beyond thrilled to be part of The Piano. It’s been a surreal and amazing journey. I honestly didn’t think I’d make it as far as the live auditions and actually being on TV, so I’m incredibly grateful to everyone at Music House for supporting me along the way. I’m excited to share this with Carmen and for people to see what we’ve been working on.”

Music House continues to be a place where young people grow through music, with opportunities like this reinforcing the power of creativity, community and confidence.

Tune in from Sunday 13 April to follow Zak and Carmen’s stories.

A VIP Rugby Experience with Hunslet RLFC

A VIP Rugby Experience with Hunslet RLFC

Mar 3, 2025

Having recently secured funding from the Flint Family Fund we were invited to a very special celebration recognising the organisations they support. As part of the event they invited one of our young people Carmen to perform – and she absolutely delivered.

Among those watching was Phil Hodgson from Hunslet Rugby League Football Club, who was so impressed he went straight over to chat with our Creative Director Christella Litras. That conversation led to a fantastic meeting at Music House, joined by David Hughes (Chair) and Nick Williams (Trustee), where we explored ways to work together. Hunslet RLFC is deeply committed to supporting young people just like we are so the connection felt natural.

During the visit Phil admired our beautiful Victorian building and mentioned it must cost a lot to heat. Not long after he reached out to Hunslet’s sponsor 247 Blinds, who have now offered to replace our old worn-out blinds with brand-new ones. We are absolutely blown away by their kindness and generosity.

Phil also invited us to Hunslet v Widnes on Sunday 2 March, where we were treated to a hearty lunch before the 3pm game. Carmen was invited to sing three songs before kick-off and had the entire VIP lounge completely captivated. At just 13 years old she’s already an incredible talent and with Christella Litras as her mentor and singing teacher she’s honing her craft and preparing for a bright future.

We can’t thank Phil and Hunslet RLFC and 247 Blinds enough for their generosity and for welcoming us with open arms. This is just the start of something special and we can’t wait to see where this partnership leads. Watch this space!