Putting the turbulent years of the pandemic behind them, the Orange Male Voice Choir and Cantar Community Choir are coming together in song to raise funds for those impacted by flooding in the Central West.

Both choirs have been largely inactive these past few years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but are finally getting back on their feet again and ready to rehearse and perform. 

Also aware of the devastating impact of flooding around the region in 2022, the two community choirs decided to do what they could to help those still struggling.

On Sunday, June 4, the Orange Male Voice Choir and Cantar Community Choir will give a combined performance at the Orange City Bowling Club, titled “Rise Up”, with all proceeds going to assist flood victims.

“We felt a concert styled “Rise Up” captures the resolve and undiminished spirit already demonstrated in flood-ravaged communities while also illuminating our own struggle to survive,”  Orange Male Voice Choir member David Woodside said.

Each choir will perform separately, before combining to sing a beautiful and varied program. A highlight to look forward to will be a medley of hits by The Seekers — a tribute to the late and much beloved Judith Durham.

For fellow Orange Male Voice Choir member and publicity officer David Kennedy, being a part of a choir was how he first found his voice. He encouraged others to get in touch and consider joining the choir.

In 2010, David was attempting to learn the guitar for what he says was probably the third, or fourth time, when a friend told him he should come along and use the instrument within himself to project sound nicely.

“I don’t think I did project it nicely to begin with,” David said with a laugh. 

“But I definitely enjoyed it, and improved and understood what I can sing, and what my limitations were.”

Told he couldn’t sing in his teenage years, David had believed that to be true — until he joined the choir.

“There’s no doubt about it, that for men and women, boys and girls, to get to sing together, it’s quite a unique experience. I think a lot of us like to sing. We do it alone, in the car or in the shower but we also think we can’t sing – that’s the problem,” he said.

“The great thing about a choir is that you’re not standing there singing solo — you’re singing with a group and you can balance each other out and, to some extent, you can compensate for each other’s strengths and weaknesses.”

The Orange Male Voice Choir are actively seeking new members, especially since their inactivity due to the pandemic. 

“Our theme song, ‘Friendship in Song’ largely reflects the feelings of men in the choir. It’s an uplifting experience. It’s good for your soul. It’s good for socialising —it’s just a great activity,” David concluded.

‘Rise Up’ will be held at the Orange City Bowling Club on Sunday, June 4 from 2pm. Tickets can be purchased from the Club and include a light afternoon tea. Cash only. 

For enquiries contact orangemvc@gmail.com