Choir near Harborough turns to technology to celebrate its 10th anniversary

A villager choir near Market Harborough has put together a video to mark its 10th anniversary - and to pay tribute to their founding member.

The Albany Singers had hoped to have a big celebratory concert in memory of the choir’s founding member Audrey Sharpe who passed away shortly after the choir was formed ten years ago.

But the coronavirus pandemic meant they had to find another way to mark the event.

Musical director Hilary Miles asked each choir member to record themselves singing their part to one of Audrey's favourite songs - MacDowell’s ‘To a Wild Rose’.

Hilary then worked tirelessly to put all the parts together and create a video of the choirs’ time in lockdown.

Choir member Jen Lamswood said: “The video is a wonderful memory of a difficult time. I am proud of our members for embracing the technology to come together and make something beautiful.”

The Albany Singers are a local choir who rehearse in Stoke Albany, a village just outside Harborough on a Monday night.

Not wanting to be deterred by the pandemic, the choir moved onto Zoom during lockdown, and virtual rehearsals became the norm.

As well as regular Monday rehearsals the choir celebrated Easter, VE Day, and a variety of national days such as National Beer Day! Choir members dressed up and sang ‘in theme’ songs.

The choir is now trying out ways to meet face to face, with the first of these taking place with small groups of five singers, carefully socially distanced in a local car park.

If you want to see the video or want to know more about the choir (they are always looking for new members) visit the ‘Albany Singers’ Facebook page.