Women’s chorus overcomes setbacks
Local women’s chorus Bella a Cappella was awarded their third national gold medal for their performance in the small chorus division of the national women’s barbershop competition in Dunedin on April 22.
In addition to their blue ribbons, they brought home the coveted Most Improved chorus trophy for the second time, and gained the highest score for a small chorus since contests began in New Zealand in 1990. They are currently ranked in the top five small choruses in the world.
Bella a Cappella has also been invited to compete with the other top choruses at an International convention in St Louis, Missouri in October 2018.
‘‘We are so proud of our achievement and it’s wonderful to be rewarded for soldiering on through a difficult time,’’ director Patti Cooke says.
Bad luck has dogged the chorus over the last year; the Kerikeri Pavilion - where they rehearse and store their equipment - was burned down.
The week following the fire, before they were allowed into the damaged building, most of their gear was stolen.
‘‘It was no mean feat to find another rehearsal venue and some weeks we had to really scramble,’’ president Kate Syddall says.
‘‘We may be the only chorus in the world who has ever held a rehearsal in a funeral parlour!’’
In another setback, 22 of the 28 singers were struck down with the flu with only a few months to go before the national contest.
The chorus is still talking over making the trip to St Louis. ’’It’s a big step for us,’’ Cooke says.
‘‘We are the newest barbershop chorus in New Zealand and are still learning the craft.’’
Barbershop involves four part unaccompanied singing, performed with lots of movement and expression, and takes a huge amount of commitment, energy, and self-discipline.
‘‘Singing this style of music correctly and in tune is demanding, but it’s joyful, and a wonderful confidence-building musical outlet,’’ Cooke says.
Bella a Cappella welcomes interested women of all ages, who love to sing and love a challenge, to stop in and visit a Thursday night rehearsal. Contact Kate: 094078701.
Have you got a success story? Email jenny.ling@fairfaxmedia.co.nz