The women of the Choral-Aires Chorus are reaching out to fellow Sweet Adelines they’ve not met, and who live more than 8,000 miles away. The Chorus aims to help ease the pain of those still affected by the 6.3 magnitude earthquake that rocked Christchurch on February 22; just five months after a 7.0 magnitude quake shook the city.
To do this, the Choral-Aires is sending a donation to help the Christchurch City Chorus make its way to Houston, Texas, for the October Sweet Adelines International Convention. Additionally, the Chorus will generously share its rehearsal time and risers with the Christchurch Chorus.
Chorus President Martha Anderson says of this goodwill gesture, “The Sweet Adelines community is about more than just singing. It is a way to share struggles and joys, and offer support in a tight-knit community. With that in mind, we wanted our sisters in harmony know they are cared for by women in Chicagoland, and we can’t wait to see them at the convention in October!”
Since the February quake, Christchurch has had more than 7,000 aftershocks and 25 earthquakes. Many of the Christchurch City Chorus members have lost their water supply, sewage service, and had major house damage. In an email to the Sweet Adelines International headquarters, Virginia Humphrey-Taylor of the Christchurch City Chorus says that attending this year’s International Convention is a “dream come true, because of your faith in us. Thank you.”
A four-part barbershop chorus, the Choral-Aires Chorus consistently receives high marks at the Sweet Adelines International competition. Women of all ages who desire to be a part of an outstanding chorus are invited to join the Choral-Aires Chorus during weekly rehearsals held each Monday from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., at the Redeemer Lutheran Church Recreation Center (345 S. Kenilworth Avenue, Elmhurst). For more information, contact Jane Toftey at 630.665.8387.
More than 100 women from Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin sing tight harmonies a capella (without instrumentation) with the Choral-Aires Chorus, the 2008 Lake Michigan Region 3 Champion with the Sweet Adelines International. This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency. More information about the Chorus can be found at their website, http://choral-aires.com.
