Thirty members of Dunedin Harmony Chorus are hoping for local support as they compete with 10 other choruses for national honours at the main event on Saturday, May 25, at Dunedin Town Hall. Several members are also singing in quartet competitions on the Friday afternoon.
Members of the public are welcome to attend the "Soaring Sounds" event, and regional convention chairwoman Clare Pascoe said it would be a special opportunity for people to hear barbershop singing live on stage.
"Sweet Adeline Choruses are known for their dynamic performances which encompass harmonies, energetic choreography and dazzling costumes. I think anyone with an interest in performing arts and singing will enjoy the event," Pascoe said.
Dunedin Town Hall had been described by international singing judges as "the best in the southern hemisphere", she said.
Musically-trained audience members may catch overtones being created "above" the melodies as soundwaves from the vocalists magically combine in the auditorium.
"For the general public, these overtones translate into a glowing sound quality that builds a real emotional connection to the performance," Pascoe said.
The public can also catch some of the contest vibe at the Octagon on Friday night.
Sweet Adelines members will congregate to sing unaccompanied harmonies in their shared repertoire from 5pm-6pm, including new arrangements of Six60’s Pepeha and Brooke Fraser’s Something in the Water.
"It’s not often you get the chance to sing together like this. The Octagon will be absolutely buzzing," she said.
