Buckie Choral Union looking forward to golden performance for anniversary

BUCKIE Choral Union are putting the finishing touches to a very special celebratory concert set for the end of this month.

Having had to cancel their golden anniversary concert at the last minute three years ago due to the Covid lockdown, the group are delighted to be able to present Handel’s great masterpiece Messiah on Saturday, April 29.

The choir were formed 50 years ago following a successful BBC Songs of Praise recording in Buckie.

This brought local church choirs together to perform in the programme, and Buckie Choral Union, as they were to become, have gone perform many different works over the years.

The first to take the baton and conduct the choir was John Fraser. He was to be followed by Donald Barr and, since 2005 until last year, Anne Corbet held the role of musical director.

The choir had originally prepared the work with Anne, however following her retirement they were grateful and delighted when Brian Smith took up the baton, and have greatly enjoyed the experience of working together.

Covid was a fatal blow for many choirs, but as confidence has returned following the pandemic, former choir members have rejoined and they will also be augmented by a few visiting choristers.

Four excellent professionals will be taking on the solo roles, joined by an orchestra of professional musicians including some talented local young music students.

Having performed a uplifting concert at Christmas, the choir can really feel that live music is alive and well post-Covid.

All are welcome to come along and enjoy the concert – which inlcudes a complementary interval drink – at 7.30pm on Saturday, April 29 at the Fishermen’s Hall in Buckie.

Tickets costing £10 available online from www.ticketsource.co.uk, from choir members, at the doors or from RightMedicine Pharmacy Buckie.

Keep up to date with Buckie Choral Union news and events by following their Facebook page.

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