"In all cases we aim to present popular and accessible soul music that really celebrates love, life and freedom. It's a lot of fun for those singing, our live band, and our audience."
Zebe and his wife Gesa have both been involved in choir singing in their home country,
Germany, and have enjoyed bringing their special brand of choir – as well as some exciting musical arrangements – to Hawke's Bay.
Having rehearsed through various Covid-related restrictions (where regular practices were
held with chairs spaced metres apart), the choir held auditions for new members early this year, attracting fresh talent to their 60-strong pool of basses, tenors, altos and sopranos.
"I'm very proud of our choir for their hard work and stickability throughout the challenges of the last year," Zebe said.
"It's been especially nice to see friendships growing over this time, and a real choir community forming."
Alto and founding member, Fiona Fraser, says choir singing has proven benefits when it
comes to stress relief and cognitive function.
"It's been a great activity for me," she said.
"Socially, it's a fantastic group of men and women and I also believe it's helped me breathe better, it's promoted calm during some pretty tumultuous times and fostered a feeling of community. The musical programme is fun to sing and the audience always has a good experience, too."
The Hawke's Bay Soul Choir – supported by Hastings District Council's Creative
Communities – is available to book for private celebrations, and performs at festivals, for
charitable events and at rest homes in the region.
Tickets for the concert this month are on sale now ($20 plus booking fee) at
https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2021/hawkes-bay-soul-choir-at-spaceship/hastings
