Belle Voce Choir Spring Concert

Anyone who really knows me will know that music is important to me. I love to sing and I enjoying playing instruments, both for my own pleasure and for worship. This year I made a choice to dedicate Tuesday evenings to music, when I joined the Bella Voce Community Choir here in Phnom Penh. The choir is conducted by a talented Japanese lady, and for this concert there were 44 members from 17 different nationalities. We practised every Tuesday evening for an hour and a half (or so), plus a few extra Thursday evening practices in the weeks before the concert. Singing alto was hard work, but I loved it. It was great to be part of a group, and to not be responsible for anything except my own singing. We learned a variety of songs including some madrigals, several African songs, and a range of songs from Broadway musicals. There were times when we struggled to get our parts right, but we kept going and the reports I have received were that all our struggles were worth it. The concert venue was full, and there was plenty of applause.

A big thank you to our wonderful director and conductor, and another big thank you to our amazing accompanist. Without their hard work the concert wouldn't happen. Proceeds from the concert go to charity, this year to support a school working with disadvantaged children in the Toul Tom Pong area of Phnom Penh.

Meanwhile, I'm looking forward to the next session starting again, as we prepare for the Christmas concert. I have no doubt Mari will have some great music for us to learn, and equally no doubt there will be some challenges in it. It will be fun!