By ALANA MITCHELSON
Pitch perfect harmonies will resonate the halls of Vines Road Community Centre as Geelong Harmony Chorus showcase new singers at a Christmas show.
The all-female a capella group of more than 30 singers will perform under the musical direction of award-winning musical director Alex Morris.
The highly qualified performance and vocal coach will emcee the matinee vocal performance which promises to be an afternoon of Christmas favourites with four-part harmonies, plus a showcase of some new repertoire.
A group of 10 new singers were selected as part of the chorus’ Sing With Us This Christmas program to join the group for their Christmas show.
Now with about 35 members, the chorus aims to boost their numbers next year to 60 vocalists, Mr Morris said.
“Hearing a large group sing in perfect harmony, it creates an emotional presence,” he said.
“There’s a real visceral energy when the harmonies all lock in. It’s a special thing to tap into.
“They’re such a beautiful group of people.”
The group rehearses weekly, performing a number of local and interstate shows, working towards the state championship event each May.
Mr Morris said that while the singers have a range of experience, many of the women have a history of singing in high school or at church and it’s a great outlet for them to return to singing some 20 years later.
Geelong Harmony Chorus is part of the largest women’s musical education organisation in the world, Sweet Adelines International. With close to 2000 members across Australia alone, this international affiliation opens up opportunities for the women to perform overseas and compete interstate.
Five singers from the Geelong Harmony Chorus will join the Melbourne Chorus in an international competition in America next September.
Two a capella quartets groups, reminiscent of the Glee television series or the Pitch Perfect film, will appear as special guest performers at this year’s Christmas show at 2.30pm on 12 December.
Victoria’s top scoring quartet, Something Else!, which placed fourth at a national a capella championship in 2013 will perform along with a newer a capella act, Push Play.
Afternoon tea is included, with hamper prizes to be won. Entry is by donation on the door.
Click below to watch Geelong Harmony Chorus in rehearsal:
