The Newcastle People’s Chorus was formed by delegates and friends from Newcastle Unions in 1988. It is one of 8 Union Choirs in Australia. Members were moved by the need to create a more just, caring and sharing society.
The Newcastle People’s Chorus ‘upholds a spirit of betterment and helps to present the working class with a sense of history,’ their flier states, ‘It proudly keeps alive the oral tradition of worker’s choirs, singing songs of working life, struggle and social justice.’
Their short tour of New Zealand in September includes a performance at The Blackball Working Men’s Club on Wednesday 30th September at 7.00pm.
‘We are very privileged that the choir is coming to the Coast, their one performance outside the major cities,’ states Paul Maunder, from Unions West Coast. ‘They have given more than 400 performances since they were formed in 1988, released 3 CDs and have toured the UK and Ireland.’
Singing in four parts, the choir performs historic songs such as Eureka, traditional union songs such as Joe Hill and contemporary songs of satire and protest.
Their Blackball performance will be supported by local choir, Waiata Koha, singing a bracket of songs which include the song, Mine, commissioned by the Pike families from Jeffrey Holman with music by choir leader,          Heather Fletcher.
This promises to be a wonderful night of song, and it will be great to give these people a warm West Coast welcome.
Entry is free, but a gold coin donation would be appreciated to help cover costs.
Enquiries, 732 4010.