Sing for the City … and a healthy heart

The Christchurch City Choir is on the hunt for new singers to attend an Open Rehearsal on 10 February 2015.

A cherished local performing arts icon, the City Choir is seeking to build on the success of its 2014 Sing for the City recruitment campaign by reaching its target of 150 singers.

Having already grown the Choir by more than 30% in his first year as Music Director, Andrew Withington says “we are keen to hear from singers of all ages and backgrounds, and we invite them to Sing not only for the City but also for a healthy heart”.

A growing body of research, including a joint Harvard and Yale study, shows that singing, particularly as part of a choir, is good for the health as the physical act of singing increases aerobic activity for the heart and lungs, while also reducing stress levels with feel-good endorphins. “Singing increases oxygenation in the blood stream and exercises major muscle groups, even when sitting”, says Graham Welch, Chair of Music Education at the University of London.

The City Choir’s 2014 performances excited audiences and critics alike, with Andrew Withington’s first concert, Scores of Canvases receiving this impressive accolade from reviewer, David Sell “judging from this concert, there is only one thing better than hearing the City Choir, and that is to sing in it”.

So whether you’re already an established singer, X-factor hopeful, or perhaps just need to dust off the vocal chords to let your voice shine through, you’re invited to join the City Choir for an Open Rehearsal onTuesday 10 February 2015 from 7.30pm to 9.30pm at the Rutland Street Church, St Albans (corner of Rutland and Westminster Streets).

Sing for the City auditions for those wanting to join the City Choir will be held the following weekend and can be booked in at the Open Rehearsal.

“We are performing some iconic works this year, including Benjamin Britten’s War Requiem as a co-presentation with the CSO, and Handel’s Messiah at the Isaac Theatre Royal, so it will be an amazing opportunity for anyone who would like to develop their musical skills and experience the magic of performing with a symphonic choir.” says Andrew Withington.

For more information on the City Choir, Music Director and repertoire can be found on the website.

There is no need to RSVP. Visitors are welcome just to listen to the rehearsal, or to sit by an existing Choir member and sing along. If you have any questions, please email the City Choir.

www.christchurchcitychoir.co.nz
info@citychoir.co.nz

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