On the 4th June, Faber composers, James Morgan and Juliette Pochin held "Symfunny", an evening of music and laughter at the Royal Albert Hall, in association with Parkinson’s UK, to raise awareness and money for the charity. When James Morgan was diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinson's at the age of 42, he and his partner, Juliette Pochin, immediately saw the importance of using their musical connections to highlight the impact of Parkinson’s and to show that it is possible to continue to work and live life to the full after diagnosis, as James continues to do.
Hosted by Al Murray, the event brought together some of the finest voices and funniest comedians in the land, complete with a full symphony orchestra and choral ensemble. The spectacular line-up of artists included Armstrong & Miller, Alfie Boe, Rebecca Ferguson, Jason Manford, Jane Horrocks, Rob Deering and Watson & Oliver, and featured guest conductors, Jane Asher and Sarah Brightman. Sarah commented, “I’m thrilled to be involved in Symfunny. James gave me the gift of being able to conduct and it’s an honour to be able to give something back to both him and Juliette for such a worthy cause.”
All proceeds were donated towards Parkinson’s UK’s cutting edge research programme in the UK.