Newark Choral Society rehearsals stopped by covid-19 restrictions

Newark Choral Society will be restarting rehearsals on Thursday, September 9, when hopefully all government coronavirus restrictions about singing and meeting are lifted.

Chairman Michael Wilson said restrictions at present had proved curious.

“The restrictions on amateur choirs meeting has been puzzling when after 24 hours of being able to meet, choirs like Newark Choral Society were stopped again without any scientific evidence being published," said Mr Wilson.

"You can sing in a pub or at a football match but not in a room with socially distanced seating and an awareness of aerosols. The present state of flux around community groups, especially choirs, is not helping organisers to plan particularly if restrictions continue beyond the expected timeline.”

In September the society will relaunch rather than simply restart, with no formal plans for a concert performance in the immediate future.

The choir will initially rehearse two popular works, Vivaldi’s Gloria and Fauré’s Requiem, to help members new and old to re-establish good singing habits and ensemble working.

Mr Wilson said: “The effect of the pandemic on the choral society is not clear.

"I know that some members will not be returning because of re-locating to be nearer family, some others have health issues which now make it difficult for them to attend and there will be retirements from singing, however, we have had enquiries from prospective new members.

"The disruption to the usual rhythm of Newark Choral Society’s year has been such that relaunch is the best way forward and I am excited at the prospect of Newark Choral society singing again with both new and existing members."

Anyone interested in joining Newark Choral Society are asked to contact Mr Wilson on 01636 673298.