The Central Hawkes Bay Choir is turning 21.
In 2001, a group of mixed voices assembled to sing five choral items with the Hastings Sinfonietta at a concert they were to give in Waipukurau for the CHB Music Society.
The concert also included an organ concerto with Kath Fletcher as soloist, and some items by the orchestra alone.
St. Mary’s Church was packed for this event, with all proceeds going to the CHB Music Society, since the choir did not technically exist in its own right at the time.
The success of this venture helped the CHB Music Society bring other musicians to the district. Many who attended the 2001 concert - and the singers themselves - expressed their enthusiasm for this group to continue.
Early in 2002, a request from the Hastings Music Society for the group to perform for them was received. So, music was acquired, the singers assembled and rehearsed, and the CHB Concert Choir had their first performance in September 2002.
