Meet Our Members
Below you can find reflections from several of our existing members about why they sing with our choir.
Tineke
It was my neighbor across the road who asked me if I liked singing not long after we moved in. When I responded whole heartedly with a “yes” she told me about the choir, invited me to join her and to give it a try. That was 9 years ago, and I have not looked back. Singing in four parts again after many years was such a thrill!
Even though my voice was not what it used to be when I sang in choirs back in Holland, I adjusted well and it improved over time.
I love the comradely amongst the choir members, working hard together to be our best for every concert.
Sushmita
Music has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. From a young age, I have always loved singing and have been part of choirs throughout my life. Being a member of PNCS brings me a quiet sense of meaning and joy. I love that people from different backgrounds come together, united by a shared love of music.
PNCS has helped me grow as a singer through the guidance of wonderful organists, conductors, and fellow choir members, who have introduced me to beautiful music (taking me back centuries and so many different styles) I might never have discovered on my own. I treasure the opportunity to keep learning, performing, and belonging to such a welcoming community.
Craig
I was involved with my church choir and I had been invited to join PNCS by another choir member who also sang in PNCS One Monday evening I was sitting down thinking about what I could do with myself. I had a burst of inspiration, and trusting my friend I decided to venture into the world ofChoral music not really knowing what to expect.
It was a real learning curve and I started very nervously. However, that was ten years ago. Now I have learned to relax and trust the talented choir director and the singers around me.
I now look forward to Monday rehearsals. As my experience and confidence has grown I find singing rewarding and feel privileged to be involved with such an inspiring group. I have no hesitation in recommending joining the PNCS to anyone with an inclination to develop and practice their musical skills and become a part of the choral music world.
John Love
I joined the Choral Society in 1998 as it was something my wife and I could do together. The prospect of making new lifelong friends within the Choir and with other choirs was the main driver. Initially I couldn't read music at all but that has greatly improved thanks to the excellent music directors and accompanists we’ve had, along with the support of the choristers who have always been very welcoming.
The music has been wide and varied, and often a challenge to learn, but you’re never alone. The main objective of the choir is to perform music of excellence for the people of the Manawatu and there is nothing more uplifting than performing to a highly appreciative audience.To me being a member of the choir is the sporting equivalent of being in the "rowing eight", where everyone is pulling in the one direction with equal strength and exquisite timing, resulting in the exhilaration that is perfect harmony.