The
People's Chorus is a union choir with an emphasis on social justice
and workers' rights. Its members combine these concerns with a love
of singing.
The
People's Chorus is a union choir with an emphasis on social justice
and workers' rights. Its members combine these concerns with a love
of singing.
New members are always welcome. We don't have auditions; we consider that enthusiasm is more important than technical training. If you think you might be interested, contact us, or just turn up to one of the Monday night rehearsals and introduce yourself.
The Chorus is now over 20 years old. It has grown from a small group to a choir with considerable confidence. Its third recording, a CD called “They Spoke Eureka's Name”, was released in 2010. In the past it has gone on tours of the UK and of New Zealand, and a China tour is now in the planning stage. It performs both in Newcastle and, two or three times each year, in other locations – folk festivals, for example – around the country. It has strong links with other union choirs around Australia, which leads to “combined choirs” performances roughly once a year.
Musically, the emphasis is on “a cappella” singing; that is, singing without backing instruments, usually in three- or four-part harmony. The repertoire of the Chorus ranges from traditional union songs like “Solidarity Forever” to songs in the Folk tradition like “If I Were Free”. The repertoire does of course vary over time, as new songs are introduced and others are retired.
Saturday 10 July: Release of the new CD at the Duke Hotel, New Lambton. Warm-up 2 pm, official start 2:30 pm.
Saturday 24 July: Combined choir get-together in Sydney.
Phone: (02) 4929 1162
Email: peopleschorus@yahoo.com.au
Rehearsals: Mondays 6-8 p.m. at the Newcastle Trades Hall building, Devonshire Street (off King Street), Newcastle West. (Map)