Bowraville Theatre Singers are Bringing Back the Music with fundraiser concert Nambucca Valley Nambucca Valley News by News Of The Area - Modern Media - August 29, 2022 Bowraville Theatre Singers: (front L-R) Judith Herivel, Ruth Stuart, (Middle L-R) Lissa Argue, Lorraine Francis, Helen Kirkpatrick, Leo Debattista, Pam Debattista, (Back L-R) Peta Coe and Syliva Anderson. AFTER more than two years of interruptions to rehearsals, and the cancellation of three concerts, the Bowraville Theatre Singers are ‘Bringing back the Music’ with a variety concert fundraiser for the Bowraville Theatre. Bowraville Theatre Singers is a community choir with nearly 20 years standing, established after the theatre was refurbished and reopened in 2003. Advertise with News of The Area today. It’s worth it for your business. Message us. Phone us – (02) 4981 8882. Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au The 60-voice choir usually presents two to three concerts each year offering a wide-ranging repertoire, with exciting presentations to charm audiences, and appealing to a variety of tastes. “I’m so thrilled to be back to singing after a two-year break,” said choir member Helen Kirkpatrick. The choir has been planning this fundraising concert for the Bowraville Theatre for some time, enduring cancellations due to Covid lockdowns, floods and fire events. This concert will feature soloists from the choir, small group items, instrumentals, guest artists, and even radio plays (remember ‘Dad & Dave’). The Bowraville Singers who are a subgroup of Bowraville Arts Council will present a number of items, and an afternoon of entertainment and music. “We have a lot of fun and laughter all the way, and share this with our audience,” said choir member Lorraine Francis. News Of The Area caught up with some of the choir members at rehearsals, and Helen Kirkpatrick summed up her experience saying, “There’s nothing like performing”. The concert will feature songs from musicals like ‘Les Miserables,’ ‘Man of La Mancha,’ and ‘Carousel’. There will be musical tributes to two great stars, Olivia Newton-John and Judith Durham, and much more. Choir member Lissa Argue pointed out the mental health benefits of being a member of the choir in regards to socialisation, getting out and about, and being part of a like minded group of people. “It’s really not only the aspect of performing, but the benefits of singing for mental health reasons,” said Lissa. Leo Debattista agreed, saying, “I joined the group for the company, I also play an instrument, and I love music.” The Bowraville Theatre can operate thanks to the generosity and hard work of volunteers, and the concert is a tribute to the determination of the Bowraville Arts Council. The Arts Council has weathered these last three years to keep the theatre operational, and now is reopening to bring music back to the community. Community support is essential to helping the theatre move forward. The ‘Bringing Back the Music’ variety concert will be presented on Sunday 4 September at the Bowraville Theatre at 2:00 pm. Tickets are available online from www.stickytickets.com.au/ or at the door for $15.00 per ticket. All proceeds go to the Bowraville Theatre. By Karen GRIBBIN Lorraine Francis rehearsing for the concert. Peta Coe, Lorraine Francis, and Syliva Anderson at rehearsals.
