Zing choir: multicultural repertoire
Zing Choir at the Village Market last Saturday. They will perform at the Ballroom Cave this weekend. Photo: Ina Holst.
Last Saturday’s Village Market resounded with harmonies and multicultural songs performed by the local Zing choir.
The choir has evolved from the pre-existing Worldwind choir and, now three years old and under the leadership of Jochen Maurer, has continued the tradition of performing songs from all over the world.
Jochen says the choir’s focus is very much on diversity.
“We sing in different languages to understand, acknowledge and appreciate other cultures, and many of the songs come from members of our choir. We have a committee to select the songs at the beginning of each term, but often people come along with suggestions, or WWOOFers drop in and bring songs from their home countries, from all over the place, so we learn songs in Spanish, Czech, Chinese, Swedish or any other language.”
Occasionally this proved a bit of a brain twister, Jochen agreed, adding that the pronunciation could be a bit difficult at times.
“English is so different from all other languages, which makes it quite a challenge to learn new songs. It also makes it exciting and it can be very funny sometimes. It is good brain training and singing must be good for the soul; it definitely has a positive influence on your life.”
He said member numbers varied between 15 and 25, and that the choir was welcoming new members.
“The only test people have to sit is to prove that they cannot sing,” said Jochen. “We had one person come along who had not sung since early childhood and he is quite enjoying it I think. I have heard he is even singing at home now. The choir has a really relaxed atmosphere…we have grown together as a wonderfully supportive group.”
Choir member Nancy-Jean Bell says that most people have probably similiar reasons why they like to sing in a choir.
“It’s soulful and I look forward to going every week. Sure, to sing in another languages is a challenge, but it stretches your musical repertoire and ability because you have to form all these different sounds when you sing in different languages.”
The choir meets every Wednesday for a practice from 7.30pm to 9.30pm at River/Sea, Patons Rock. Come a bit earlier for a cup of tea and a chat. For enquiries please contact Jochen on 744 4104.
The choir will also perform this weekend at the Ballroom Cave extravaganza.
Ina Holst
