In fine voice again
Perth’s chamber choir Chansons were able to practice singing together for the first time in 15 months.
Members of Chansons embraced the opportunity to sing - safely - at an outdoor rehearsal on Monday, June 7.
It follows months apart and only meeting for virtual rehearsals.
It was the first ‘real’ choir practice they had done since March last year, when the pandemic hit and everything had to be suspended.
The socially-distanced outdoor rehearsal took place in the grounds of St Ninian’s Cathedral and was planned and executed rigorously in line with COVID-19 guidelines to ensure the safety, wellbeing and health of choir members.
A risk assessment was done, a suitable venue was identified and a seating plan was measured so that everyone was spaced a minimum of two metres apart.
The 26 singers, musical director Areti Lymperopoulou and accompanist Gordon Murch enjoyed rehearsing a wide range of repertoire including, ‘Locus Iste’ by Bruckner, ‘Ave Verum Corpus’ by Elgar and ‘Jungfrau Dein Shoene G’stalt’ by Hassler.
Lorraine Trayner, who coordinated the event, said: “What a huge joy it was for Chansons to meet and sing together on Monday evening.
“There are still risks of coronavirus infection so we knew we had to put some careful safeguards and arrangements in place and to follow official guidance.
“We are very grateful to ‘Making Music’, a nationwide organisation supporting amateur music groups, for its invaluable advice.”
Lorraine added: “It was a perfect warm summer evening, and, from the rooftop of the cathedral, the birds joined in with our singing. A wonderful experience for us all.”
If you would like to know more about Chansons or are interested in joining Perth’s Chamber Choir, visit chansons.co.uk for more information.
The choir currently has a vacancy in their tenor section.