Rotorua Christmas concert to aid Michael Pilaar Memorial Music Fund

Elizabeth Pilaar (left), Ann-Elise Miles, Michelle Wynne, Jemma Pirrie, Mary-Beth Acres, Evelyn Falconer and Jeannie Williams are performing in the Christmas Concert. Photo/Stephen Parker

The Rotorua District Choir is hoping to get people singing in the stalls at its annual Christmas concert.

This year the concert is a little bit different - featuring two composers, a band and with all of the proceeds being donated to the Michael Pilaar Memorial Music Fund.

Michael, a talented musician passionate about sharing his love for people and music, died from melanoma in June. He was 19.

Michael's mother Elizabeth Pilaar will conduct the choir alongside friend Evelyn Falconer.

"It's a mix of traditional and contemporary Christmas carols, including several audience singalongs," Pilaar said.

"Just a relaxed Christmas get together, with light refreshments after both shows, to share the Christmas cheer."

This year the dates are slightly different with an evening concert at 7pm tomorrow and an afternoon concert at 2pm on Saturday. Falconer joked she hoped the choral singers had noticed the change.

The choir has recently performed for the Gardens Rest Home and in the atrium of Rotorua Hospital.

About 40 performers will take to the stage this weekend.

"It's partly community outreach and partly a good chance for us to practice," Pilaar said.

"It's an opportunity to enjoy singing some Christmas music and to see people enjoying us."

Pilaar said the fundraising for the Michael Pilaar Memorial Music Fund was going "really well".

The fund is now at almost $34,000 after two and a half months of fundraising.

"That comes from individual donors as well as our concert and the youth ball," Pilaar said.

"I am blown away by the generosity and the donations coming in from all sorts of people."

Singer Michelle Wynne said being in the district choir was a great opportunity to meet people of all ages and backgrounds.

"Music has a way of breaking down barriers.

"I enjoy seeing people getting really excited and watching them share the music with us."

What: The Rotorua District Choir Christmas Concert
When: Friday 7pm and Saturday 2pm
Where: St Lukes Church
Cost: $10