It has been a big year for the Wanganui Male Choir with a new musical director and accompanist as well as an Australian tour.
The year began sadly with the death of their musical director Judy Barrett and later the departure of accompanist Abigail Livesay who moved to Australia.
New musical director Margaret Thompson and accompanist Caitlin Arthur "quickly formed a rapport to take the choir forward", said chorister Oliver Lane.
"Margaret comes to us as the recently retired HOD music and head of arts at St Mary's Diocesan School in Stratford.
"Her qualifications include an MA in music and B Mus (performance) in pipe organ and harpsichord from University of Auckland and Grade 8 singing Trinity Guildhall (honours).