Community
24 May, 2024
Burns festival introduces new choir
THE Robert Burns Celtic Festival will be hosting a brand new event as part of this year’s festival.
The festival will host a Celtic choir competition as part of its regular festivities, with new choir Corangamite Celtic Choir competition against visiting choirs.
The Corangamite Celtic Choir meets weekly to learn new songs, and will be performing on Saturday, June 22 at the Theatre Royal in Camperdown.
Competition co-ordinator Jennifer Bromeley said more than 120 choristers will be joining with the new choir.
“Visiting choirs are Ein cioil from Geelong, the Voices of Geelong Choir, the Tin Shed Singers from Warrnambool, Cantore from Geelong, Colac Chorale, Port Fairy Third Age Singers, and Massed Choir, Regional Victoria,” she said.
“The Burns Celtic Festival Committee is hosting a friendly Choir Competition and patrons are invited to be in the audience and cast a vote for your favourite choir.
“The competition will be held from 10.30am to 2.30pm Saturday, June 22 at Theatre Royal.”
Ms Bromeley encouraged residents to attend, with tickets available at the door for $10 and children under 18 receiving free admission.
“Our panel of judges will be voting on the “Most Celtic” choir and presenting winners of all categories with trophies,” she said.
The Festival Finale Concert will be held on Sunday, June 23, featuring the Melbourne Male Welsh Choir with 38 voices choristers singing a selection of Robert Burns songs, Irish and Welsh songs.
Festival chairman Dr John Menzies OAM said the Melbourne Male Welsh Choir had grown into one of Australia’s acclaimed male choirs and is known for its four-part harmonies.
“The choir is steeped in the choral traditions but is still proudly Australian and has many members from diverse nationalities,” he said.
“Also performing at the Festival Finale Concert is the Warrnambool Pipes and Drums and returning the very popular Melbourne Scottish Fiddle Club.
“Patrons need to purchase tickets early as we believe the concert will be sold out.”
Tickets are available at the door on both days, or can be booked prior, for $30 per person.
The ticket price includes an afternoon tea of scones, jam and cream.
Tickets can be purchased from Laffs (163 Manifold Street, Camperdown), by ringing festival co-ordinator Catherine O’Flynn on 0407 056 126, or by visiting https://camperdownburnsfestival.com.au.
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