Jim Fagan
Five Noosa Chorale singers have been putting the final jingles to their handbell accompaniment of Carol of the Bells for the Chorale’s Christmas Silver Bells at the J later this month.
As well as singing, the five, Marianne McLennan, Kate Bennet, Jenny and Andrew Mitchell and Pam Sage, are also used to playing instruments like clarinets, euphoniums, oboes, pianos and saxophones and, when asked by music director, Adrian King, to tinkle the bells, the request had a certain “ap-peel.”
Along with Carol of the Bells, the Chorale will present 16 carols and songs, including Ding Dong Merrily on High, the Old German carol In Dulce Jubilo, Aussie Jingle Bells, Christmastime and the beautiful, All Bells in Paradise.
And, as has been the custom since the Christmas Cheer concerts started in 2007, the audience will join with the choir, singing Christmas favourites like Once in Royal David’s City and O Come, All Ye Faithful.
A team of singers is putting the final touches to the decorations and, according to soprano/co-ordinator Isabel Lawrence, the theme is bells, baubles and blooms.
“The J will be transformed into a Christmas winter wonderland. Fifteen corflute bells, some a metre high and glittering with silver, will hang from the ceiling and decorate the stage and foyer,“ she said.
“We are also grateful to Lindy Larsen of The Noosa Flower Box who has donated large arrangements of flowers, including a wreath incorporating silver bells.”
MC and narrator is Noosa Deputy Mayor Frank Wilkie. Proceeds from the raffle will go to the not-for-profit charity Katie Rose Cottage Hospice – “the haven on the hill” – which last month celebrated five years of compassionate caring for the terminally ill in Noosa and the Sunshine Coast.
Katie Rose regularly has a waiting list and the hospice is fundraising to increase the number of guest units next year from three to five.
If you intend ringing in Christmas with Silver Bells, then go like the clappers to make sure of your seats. This year already looks like being a bell out… sorry… sell out.
Noosa Chorale Silver Bells, The J Theatre, Noosa Junction, Friday 17 December at 7pm and Saturday 18 December at 2pm. Tickets $39, student/child concession $30 at the j.com.au or call 5329 6560.
