A local group will be singing for their supper this weekend.
An event will be held to celebrate 80 years of the Timaru District Chamber Choir.
Choir member Brendan Murphy said the choir — then named the Timaru Choral Society — was formed in early 1945, ad its inaugural concert took place on August 6, at the Theatre Royal.
Mr Murphy said some reviews of the night mentioned the ‘‘carefully selected programme’’ had included a folk song, several humorous items, and one or two with novel choral effects, as well as ‘‘more serious songs’’.
He said the choir continued from its inception, regularly producing two or three concerts throughout each of the following years.
In the 1980s the society was renamed to be the Timaru District Choir, since then the early traditions have been maintained by the present choir.
Mr Murphy joined the choir over 20 years ago.
‘‘Initially I wasn’t sure at all about choral music, but it’s something that grows on you,’’ he said.
He said nowadays it was the main type of music he listened to.
The choir had continued to perform regular concerts to appreciative audiences.
A wide diversity of choral music has been presented, including formal works like Handel’s Messiah, Faure’s Requiem, and Mozart, but also music from the shows, film and from many other sources of traditional choral music.
The 80 years of music concert programme will reflect a cross-section of choral music from past performances. Included are several items which past members and our regular audience can join in and enjoy singing.
The concert will take place on Saturday at the Trinity Church in College Rd.
The event will begin at 7pm, and a celebration supper will follow. Adults $15. — Allied Media
