Choir celebrates 40 years of singing in the Cape

The Cape Harmony Choir held a 40th birthday get together last weekend. The group’s current singers, and some now retired members, celebrated the milestone with a party.

Also present was founding member Leonie Walker. Leonie was was part of the original choir in 1983 and is still singing in the sopranos section.

The Cape Harmony Choir had its beginnings with just eight singers in the early 80s, starting as The Sou’Wester Singers.

The current musical director is Cornelius de Munck who has been with the choir for 25 years.

Current chairman Murray Mills and his wife Barbara have also been with the choir for about 25 years. In recognition of their contribution they were presented with a gift basket.

The choir now performs two concerts a year, however they also sing Christmas carols at nursing and retirement homes in December.

Jane Jeans, who is the choir’s current treasurer said: “The Cape Harmony Choir is unusual because not many community choirs tackle the classical works such as Faure’s Requiem.”

The choir sings a mix of classical music and songs from popular musicals.

The choir is currently practising for their Christmas concerts. They practise weekly at the Naturaliste Community Centre on Wednesday evenings between 6.30 and 8.30.

Ms Jeanes said the choir was always looking for tenor and alto singers.

“As the experts say, learning something new and difficult is actually very good for our ageing brains, and there’s a few of those in our choir.“

The first concert will be held on December 2 at the Uniting Church in Busselton at 2pm. The second concert is on December 3 at the Catholic church Dunsborough at 2pm.

Tickets available at trybooking.com for $25 and includes afternoon tea. Door sales also available.