More than 200 singers from nine Hawke's Bay groups will meet at the CHB Municipal Theatre, Waipawa, tomorrow for a SingFest.
This is similar to the Big Sing held each year for secondary school choirs, except that SingFest is non-competitive. However, choirs can opt to have a report from the commentator, Roy Tankersley, MNZOM from Palmerston North, emailed to them after the event. The audience will be seated in the dress circle of the theatre as they experience a wide variety of choral music.
Central Hawke's Bay Mayor Peter Butler will open the SingFest at 10am and then each choir will perform a 15-minute programme.
"The items will show an amazing variety of choral items, from early music through to late 20th century popular pieces," said SingFest organiser Kath Fletcher. "Some groups have chosen medleys of well-known show themes or popular songs, and there are selections from a variety of countries. Sacred and secular items are included, with choirs choosing to be either accompanied or sing a capella."
Taking part will be the CHB Concert Choir, Choralairs, Rhythm & Soul, Camerata (Palmerston North), The Viking Choir (Dannevirke) and Four's Company in the morning session, with the Hastings Choral Society, The Linden Singers and the Hawke's Bay Community Choir in the afternoon session from 1.15pm. A massed choir item, the traditional spiritual I Will Sing When The Spirit Says Sing involving all choirs, directed by Roy Tankersley, will end the festival
