Yearly Choir Competition

SWRI Members Hold a Tune or Two For Yearly Choir Competition

final of the Scottish Women’s Rural Institutes yearly national choir competition

The final of the Scottish Women’s Rural Institutes yearly national choir competition will take place tomorrow (Saturday 8 April 2006). The grand finale will see competitors from Heiton & Morebattle WRI’s (Roxburghshire), Cumbrae WRI (Ayrshire), West Lothian WRI’s, Langbank WRI (Renfrewshire) and Dalrymple WRI (Ayrshire) all competing for pole position at 2:00pm in Troon Concert Hall, where the competition will be hosted by the Ayrshire Federation.

Jean Graham

Seasoned adjudicator Jean Graham of musical acclaim will be judging the choir competition, casting a fine musical eye over the finalists. Jean Graham has recently been awarded an MBE, with both the BBC and STV recording programmes on her life in music.

SWRI Senior Vice Chairman, Alison Argo who is Chairing the event says, “We are very grateful to Jean Graham taking time out of her busy schedule to adjudicate the choirs competition. It is especially exciting for the members who are taking part to be judged by someone with such expertise in the field and really adds to the importance occasion.”

Each WRI competing must perform one set piece from a choice of three, plus their own choice piece. The set pieces are ‘All about the Blues’ – Carl Strommen, ‘Dreams of Africa – A Song for Elephants’ – Douglas Coombes and ‘When I Sing’ – Bill Henderson – Arranged by David J. Elliot.

“By having set pieces we can judge the contestants consistently and the choice piece shows the WRI’s originality and the chance to pick a song that fits their strengths,” Continues Alison. “Having two songs also shows that the choirs can be diverse and gives them two opportunities to prove themselves in the competition.”

National Chairman of the SWRI

Alison Bayley, National Chairman of the SWRI, who will be presenting the winners and runners trophies as a token of their achievements, says, “We really appreciate all the efforts that have gone into the organisation of the choir competition and would like to congratulate the finalists on getting this far in the competition. One of the main aims of creating competitions within the SWRI is to provide a place for members to hone skills and to create enjoyable performances for all to enjoy.”

To find out more about SWRI Competitions, becoming a member of the SWRI or about an institute in your area, call the National Headquarters in Edinburgh on 0131 225 1724.