Murray Conservatorium Choir prepare for their first performance in two years

President Michele Roberts said the Christmas performance was the fourth event the choir had organised this year - the other three all having been cancelled last minute due to COVID lockdowns.

The choir had planned to hold an outdoor concert in May which was cancelled the day of the performance, and again in June, which was felled prior to curtain call.

A further performance planned for September was once again cancelled by a snap lockdown.

"It's been an interesting journey last two years," Mrs Roberts said.

"I'd like to say congratulation to the choristers.

"They've been resilient and resourceful as we've tried just about every trick in the COVID-19 playbook.

"They've stuck together and we've maintained our numbers and I think we'll come out of the stronger in a way."

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Mrs Roberts said despite the recent hiccups, the choir was optimistic A Christmas Fantasia would go ahead as planned.

"It will be our first concert since Christmas 2019, we have been unable to perform [in person] for two years because of COVID," she said.

"It's going to be a really exciting time for us if we can pull it off, and it will be really wonderful to be singing for the community again."

Mrs Roberts said the choristers has missed the joy of singing together and sharing their voices with the audience during the two year COVID-forced hiatus.

"It means an enormous amount," she said.

"It's not just an act of performing but it's about doing it together and feeling as if you're part of something very special, that's bigger than you, it's really important.

"The choir is really important to members' wellbeing and happiness.

"But I think live music is also really important in the community especially at times like Christmas and especially after the couple of years we've had."

Last year the choir's Christmas performance was held on Zoom.

Mrs Roberts said this year's event was being overseen by music director Paul Tasker and comprised of a lovely Christmas program with traditional and classical festive music alongside some locally composed songs.

The choir will perform A Christmas Fantasia three times over the weekend at Walla's Zion Lutheran Church on Friday from 7.30pm, at Albury's St Matthews on Saturday at 7.30pm, and at St David's Uniting Church on Sunday at 3pm.

Tickets for the performance will only be available at the door due to the uncertainties around COVID.

Children under 18 are allowed in for free, while adult tickets are $25 and concession and students $20.

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