Christmas Choir
The Matamata Christmas Choir accompanist, Sheryl King, says the theme of this year’s collection of songs is to come and worship.
‘‘It’s a selection of songs that celebrate the saviour’s birth and the reason for the season,’’ she said.
‘‘We are bringing that message and the hope you can have through faith in Him.’’
This year’s conductor David Qualtrough has been ‘‘very thorough with his teaching’’ with their practices, which benefited the choir greatly, she said.
At the pinnacle of his career, David conducted the national male choir from 2001 to 2003.
Sheryl said numbers of choir members had dwindled at times over the years but she said this year, as well as last year, the numbers were quite strong.
This year they had 56 members. The choir was mostly made up of middle aged singers but there were a few younger ones involved. Intermediate school students will also be performing.
Natalie van der Goes, 24, will be helping out the conductor for some pieces.
Jeri Rose will be performing both solos and with the choir.
Sheryl has been playing with the choir for about 25 years. She first started helping the soprano, alto, tenor and brass groups, who all practice in separate groups, with their note practice.
The choir would then practice as a whole for an hour after that.
The Matamata Christmas Choir concerts are on December 3, 4 and 5 at 7.30pm and December 6 at 1.30pm at the All Saints Anglican Church on Broadway, Matamata. Thursday, November 19: Piako Fete, Daltons Plantation from 10am3pm. Tickets available from Eventfinder. Sunday, November 22: Carol service in the Tower church, 2pm. Tuesday, November 24: Matamata Historical Society’s Christmas lunchfurther details to follow. Wednesday, November 25: Giggles for Harry. A fundraiser comedy night for Matamata toddler Harry Hennessy. Featuring Urzila Carlson, 6.30pm, Matamata Club. Tickets, at $60 including a two course buffet dinner and silent auction, are available from Matamata Club now. Thursday, November 26: Matamata Rose Show, Matamata Memorial Centre. Saturday, November 28: Matamata Twilight Fair, Headon Stadium/Pohlen Park, 5pm-9pm, entertainment, stalls, food, free entry. Fun for the whole family. December 3-6: Matamata Christmas Choir Concert, Anglican Church, 7.30pm daily. Sunday from 1.30pm. Saturday, December 5: Matamata PRA Christmas Parade, 11am. Saturday, December 5: United Matamata Sports 7s Open Tournament featuring international teams, Bedford Park, first kick-off 10am. Sunday, December 6: Christmas at the Park, held at Bedford Park. The fair starts from 3pm, with the programme kicking off around 6.30pm. The spectacular Hobbiton fireworks display starts at 9.15pm. Wednesday, December 16: Twilight Christmas at the Races, Matamata Racing Club, first race approx 3pm. Sunday, February 21: Rotary Matamata presents Concert by the Lake. Further details, including the headline acts, to come. Saturday, February 27: J Swap Contractors Breeders’ Stakes, Matamata Racing Club. March 1: Spud in a Bucket weigh-in, Railside by the Green, 5pm. April 20-23: Matamata Festival of Flowers, Matamata Memorial Centre.