The Manly Warringah Choir celebrates 50 years of performing classical choral music
Whether entertaining kookaburras at a picnic in Manly Dam, collaborating with a choir of Japanese doctors, or performing with international choirs at New York’s Carnegie Hall, Manly Warringah Choir (MWC) members have one thing in common – their passion for classical choral music – and in May, the choir will celebrate 50 years of joyful singing.
Kerry Foster, who lives in Allambie, has been a soprano with the choir for 15 years and is ‘full of enthusiasm’ for MWC. She loves the camaraderie and social benefits, the challenge of learning mnew music and the energising effect of singing with a group of like-minded people.
“There’s something really special about singing four-part harmony with people that love the same music that you do,” Kerry says. “Words don’t seem to be enough to carry that sense of elation and inspiration. And no matter how tired you are, you get a boost of endorphins.”
For 50 years, the euphonic sounds of soprano, alto, tenor and bass singers have been uplifting audiences with a repertoire that includes Vivaldi, Bach, and Mozart, opera choruses, and international songs in several languages such as Latin, Russian and Hebrew.
With the charismatic and renowned conductor Carlos Alvarado at the helm since 2003, the choir is stronger than ever.
The MWC has about 77 members between the ages of 40 and 90, and Kerry says they need younger members to see them through another 50 years. They also need male voices, as men account for just 30% of members.
“We always want more men,” says Kerry. “There’s something special about male voices; that resonance and richness of sound that’s not there in a predominantly female choir.”
The choir rehearses in Collaroy on Thursday evenings and has singers travelling from Mosman to all the way up the Beaches. Kerry says everyone is welcome, and singers don’t need to be able to read music, but they do need to be able to hold a note.
“It’s not good if people are out of tune,” Kerry laughs. “But nobody gets kicked out!”
The choir currently performs at St Paul’s College in Manly, and Kerry says there is an intimacy that comes with performing in a smaller venue. It’s like the audience is part of the music.
On 10 May, MWC will perform Gounod’s Saint Cecilia Mass, at St Paul’s College in Manly; and on 17 August, a special gala concert will feature highlights of the choir’s 50 years.
Kerry advises to book early as tickets sell fast. Visit manlywarringahchoir.org.au