Local women’s choir Cantabile is performing an Autumn Soiree concert including well known songs, a piano accompanist and guest artists in Alexandra this Thursday evening (May 4).

Carole Randall, who is on the New Zealand Choral Federation national advisory committee and has conducted many choirs over the years, directs the women’s choir.

Carole said she loves being a part of it for the “absolute joy of music making”.

“Watching other people get pleasure from singing… and [enjoying] sharing the words and sentiments of songs.”

The group of 25 women, aged from their 50s to 80s, have been together for two years and sing in three or four part harmony.

They practise weekly and enjoy the social aspects of getting together and building friendships through song. 

“Mostly we are from Alex and Clyde. There are group who go for coffee after practice. Then there’s a bigger social thing at the end of the year,” Carole said. 

Carole’s favourite songs are those with beautiful melodies, and there is one in the concert from a young Norwegian composer to listen out for. 

The audience will hear a mix of genres; popular songs, classical, musical theatre and African American music. 

Supporting guest artists are Martin Curtis (guitar and vocals), Libby Hamilton (piano and vocals), Alastair Monteath (piano), and Connor McDowell (vocals). 

Included in the $20 adult ticket price is a drink and nibbles from a grazing table. Free entry is available for school students and if space permits door sales will be available on the night.   

The group’s name ‘Cantabile’ is Italian for “songlike”; in instrumental music it is a style of playing that imitates the human voice. 

For more information see What’s On here.