Tag: Covid-19

Choir sadly abandons season

It is with great sadness that Sheffield Bach Choir announces that it has had to abandon the two remaining concerts in the 71st season, due to the continuing coronavirus pandemic.

‘We were determined to go ahead with the final two concerts, in April and June 2021’ explained Chris Walker, the choir’s Chair, ‘but the logistics have proved impossibly difficult and we’ve had to abandon our plans for the 20-21 season. We are of course upset for our loyal supporters and for choir members, but most especially for the musicians who were going to accompany us or sing the solos. Along with most musicians, and of course many other working people, their livelihoods are really suffering at the moment.’

The choir is now focusing on planning the 2021-22 season – their 72nd.

‘We are hoping that the vaccination programme will be rolled out during 2021 and that it will prove effective in enabling us all to get back to normal next year.’ said choir secretary Liz Buxton, ‘We are all missing making music together and can’t wait for an opportunity to sing again’

A recent survey showed that most choir members would support a return to live singing, and the choir is investigating a get together – without an audience – to do just that.

Survey shows choir wants to sing again

A recent on-line survey of members showed that the majority would like to start singing live again, even those who are at moderate risk in terms of the coronavirus.

‘Obviously since the survey we have gone into another lock-down.’ said Chair Chris Walker ‘However, as soon as current restrictions are lifted we will have a look at re-commencing live rehearsals. We might even think about getting together just to sing rather than rehearse anything in particular’.

A Covid-secure venue would need to be selected – that’s one where the venue itself commits to taking the necessary steps to make the venue Covid-safe. The Committee would need to undertake a very comprehensive risk assessment which covered all the elements required by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport.

‘Other choirs had started to sing together before the current measures were introduced’ explained Chris, ‘We know of a number of suitable Covid-secure venues in Sheffield, and feel sure we can make the necessary arrangements to enable our members to sing together again. Everyone is really missing it!’

Sadly the choir had to abandon the final concert of last season and the first few of this season. This means it will not be giving it’s annual performance of Messiah at the cathedral – nor the popular ‘Come Sing Messiah with mince pies and mulled wine. The choir hopes to present Messiah in April, if the pandemic situation eases up sufficiently. See Current Season Concerts for more details.