Iva has been part of Deptford Community Choir from the very beginning. Although she wanted to meet new people and has loved singing all her life, she found the idea of joining a choir a little intimidating.

“I wanted to meet new people, but in Bulgaria we don’t have choirs so I was very scared before joining. The word community doesn’t mean the same thing either in Bulgarian, you just know your neighbours, so the ‘community’ part of the choir was a new concept for me and I was very shy.

“I was also worried about my English because I didn’t know the technical words, which made it quite intimidating, I actually swapped between the altos and sopranos because I didn’t understand what these words meant!

“I found the other people there so lovely and amazing that we quickly became friends and I decided that the choir was perfect for me.”

For those that are looking for a challenge or the chance to take the spotlight, there are plenty of chances to sing a solo as part of the choir’s repertoire, and Iva embraced the opportunity.

“The first time I sang a solo was at a point in my life when things were changing, and I actually sang it at another choir member’s birthday party.

“I was afraid I would sound awful, but after I did it, I felt so good. People were supportive and I felt like I was part of a team when I was on stage.”

Many of the songs that the choir covers are the ones that you hear on the radio or in shops at Christmas, and for someone who did not grow up in the UK, the choir has helped Iva feel more connected with the local community and culture, while also improving her singing technique.

“At the very beginning when we didn’t use lyrics, I didn’t know the songs that everyone else seems to know, so I really struggled, but now after being in the choir for more than three years, I often catch myself listening on a song on the radio and singing along.

Iva’s favourite songs are very personal to her because when she started singing them they brought her a sense of togetherness and feeling part of something positive, when she was going through a difficult time.

“I love the choir song because it is so positive, and I remember the welcome song because we started it at a time when I was separating from my partner, and I needed so badly to meet with people because I was feeling lonely.

“Singing these songs got me out of the house and away from being stuck at home, feeling depressed.”

Iva loves participating in the gigs and concerts that the choir takes part in around Deptford and South East London, and there is one other benefit to joining the choir too.

“The gigs are always very successful, and I always want to attend them, people love us and they are magical and you feel like you are part of something beautiful.”