The Bayside Divas are set to take the stage once again for their annual concert, this year embracing the theme Earth, Wind, Fire and H2O with a program inspired by the natural elements.
The well-known community choir will present two performances at Sandgate Town Hall on Saturday, 6 June.
Concert coordinator Christine Reed said the group were always thinking of fresh ideas for their annual concert theme, and this year was no exception.
“Once we had chosen Earth, Wind, Fire and H2O, choir members put forward suggestions of songs they knew and liked that they thought would ‘fit’ the theme,” Christine said.
Musical director Sandra Milliken then determines the final song selections.
“Sandra is a very accomplished choral conductor and uses her experience to select songs that will work well together and ensure the concert has a logical flow,” Christine said.
This year’s concert features classics, including Ain’t No Mountain High Enough and Singin’ in the Rain, and more contemporary favourites such as Eternal Flame by The Bangles and Set Fire to the Rain by Adele. The program also features Sandra’s special arrangement of Blowin’ in the Wind by Bob Dylan.
A Musical Journey Through Elements and Emotions
Christine said it was hard to pick a favourite from the program, given the range of moods and genres.
“However, I do love Saltwater, made famous by Julian Lennon and the Bette Midler song Wind Beneath My Wings,” she said. “For those who like something more upbeat, we will also be performing Firework by Kate Perry and Boogie Wonderland by the group Earth, Wind and Fire, so there is something for everyone.”
In preparation, choir members rehearse weekly and spend additional time practising individually to ensure they can perform the entire concert from memory. They also perform one or two songs with movements choreographed by Ruth Gabriel.
“Moving and singing at the same time can be challenging at first, but practice makes perfect, and once it’s learnt, they become some of our favourite pieces,” Christine said.
She added that the Divas hoped attendees would come on a musical journey with them and “switch off” from day-to-day stresses.
“Audiences have commented that they love hearing personal favourites being sung that always generate happy memories, and at the same concert hear pieces for the first time,” she said. “Hopefully, people leave the concert feeling uplifted.”
Tickets are $30 for adults, $25 for seniors, and $11 for children under 12, with free entry for children under five. Get tickets here.
Bayside Divas Annual Concert
- Saturday, 6 June, 2pm and 5.30pm
- Sandgate Town Hall
- Cliff and Seymour Streets, Sandgate.
Read more stories from the Sandgate Guide print magazine here:
- Bramble Buzz: Updates from the Community
- Movie Review: German Film Festival
- Podcast Review: Uncanny
- Permission to Be Rubbish
- Protect Your Information Before You Share It
- Can You Help Keep Sandgate Beautiful Association (KSBA)?
- Interest Rates Went Up… Now What?
- New Campaign Unveiled To Shape Sandgate’s Future
- Arthouse Northside Finds New Home In Sandgate Village
- Local Artist Unveils First Solo Exhibition
- Brighton Foreshore Gets Facelift
- Local Favourite Dublin Rose Drops Long-Awaited Debut Album
- Cabbage Tree Creek: Tales of a Waterway (Part 2)
- Issy and Emily Inspire Community Through Interview Project
- Meet the Local Sculptor Shaping Steel by the Bay
- Local Threads: Do You Have a Signature Style — And Why Does It Matter?
- Mini Enthusiasts Unite For London 2 Brighton Run
- Sandgate High Opens Doors to Young Musicians
- Granny Smith Muffins Recipe
- Art at The Heart of School Community
- Sounds of Soul Brings The Groove To Cardigan Bar
- Do Increasing Prices Mean Less Fun?
- Timeless Duets Concert Celebrates Musical Favourites
- Womenspace Launch Showcases Powerful Symbols of Belonging
- Fish of the Month
- Organic Gardening in May
- Kumbartcho Sanctuary Offers Nature, Education and Family Fun
