Choral Society starts back with Vivaldi

No singing for nearly four months — that has been the reality for Gisborne Choral Society members since the decision was made to delay starting rehearsals in February with the onset of Omicron.

“I’m sure many of our singers have been exercising their vocal cords at home or church or in the car or wherever,” said society president Mary-Jane Richmond.

“But our weekly gatherings offer fellowship in sharing the joy of singing, not to mention the challenge of learning new works.”

The choir will be singing together next Tuesday after the annual meeting in the usual venue, St Andrew’s Community Centre in Cobden St.

Rehearsals will start in earnest the following week, on May 3.

A supper break with more than the usual biscuits will follow the annual meeting, giving members a chance to catch up, before singing together items from music in the society’s library.

A programme has been decided for the choir’s next concert, which will be on June 26. The main work will be Vivaldi’s Gloria. Other items will have a link to Ukraine and proceeds from the concert will go to the Red Cross appeal for Ukraine. Entry will be by koha.

The choir will finish the year with a performance of Handel’s Messiah. This was last performed here by the choir, in 2016, “so we are well overdue for another outing of this marvellous work”, said Ms Richmond.