Community gospel choir for the city

byJULIE-ANN SPENCE

MUSIC lovers across the country recently delighted in the success of Belfast's Open Arts Community Choir on BBC One's Last Choir Standing.

But what many people didn't know is that the conductor of the choir, Beverley Whyte, is from Lisburn. And while she is still working hard with the Open Arts Community Choir, Beverley is now keen to start a new gospel choir in her home city.

The Open Arts Community Choir made it to the last 15 of Last Choir Standing and it was absolutely amazing," explained Beverley.

"Since the show there has been more and more interest in choirs, particularly gospel choirs. "Some of the gospel choirs in the competition were amazing and I thought I'd like to do that in Lisburn.'

The new choir has been christened 'Lisburn Community Gospel Choir' and already has twenty members.

However, Beverley is keen to encourage more local people to raise their voices in song.

"We will be focusing on enjoyment of singing," continued Beverley.

"There will be no auditions, you just have to enjoy singing. It's really just for the fun factor. "Being part of a choir is a brilliant experience," she added.

The Lisburn Community Gospel Choir will begin rehearsals on Sunday November 2 from 5.15pm until 6.45pm at the Christian Fellowship Church, 1 Queens Road, Lisburn.

For further information on the choir, contact Beverley on 07867808485.

julieann.spence@jpress.co.uk

Ulster Star
24/10/2008