When Val Brown formed the Montague Choristers back in 1987, she did not envisage the many years of entertainment the choir would give to the Narooma and Bermagui communities.
At first, the group were simply a small choir, giving concerts and engaging in Christmas services. Then a wonderful pianist, Phil Curtis came to town.
Together with Val Brown, dance coach Dot Philip, Edna McDowell who made amazing costumes, stage manager Liz Ferguson and Val Tippins creating the backdrops), they hit the stage!
Performances of Gilbert and Sullivan works such as the Mikado and Pirates of Penzance received wonderful responses from audiences.
The Montague Choristers celebrated the centenary of the Kinema in music and dance to full houses. There were many costumed shows that created laughter, relived memories and sometimes just let everyone have fun. They even managed to have our male chorus sing and dance at the same time!
When Val left Narooma, how lucky was the group to have the renowned Prof Bill Hawkey take on the musical director’s position.
He added a new direction that linked so perfectly with the old and the Choristers realised that they could sing the more difficult sacred and classical music like Mendelssohn’s Elijah, as well as continue with variety and Gilbert and Sullivan performances.
The Visiting Artist concerts that Bill and wife Elizabeth initiated under the auspices of the Montague Choristers continue to be a wonderful part of the musical year.
Since 2014, the choir has been under the baton of Dr Philip Hartstein and again a new direction has been taken. Brahms, Tchaikovsky, Elgar, Dvorak, Purcell and other wonderful baroque, romantic and classical music sung acapella has honed the sound of the choir. No wonder they want to celebrate.
Please, Choristers old and new, join us for lunch on Wednesday, November 18 at the Narooma Golf Club. To reserve a place contact Rosemary Towers on 4476 2614.
