THE Wehl Street Theatre resounded with beautiful music this week with talented singers coming together for the annual Limestone Coast Choral and Vocal Showcase.
From youngsters new to the stage to experienced performers, the showcase is a chance for all to enjoy their passion for singing.
On Monday night, sponsors and committee members shared in the excitement of bringing together another successful event with new awards and adjudicators among the highlights.
Showcase president Judy Renney said she was thrilled to see so many people still showing interest in the showcase and wanting to take part.
“The youngest person involved this year is seven years old and sometimes the oldest are in their 70s,” she said.
“It is all about getting out there and showing the world how much you love singing.”
This year a new award in memory of former patroness Caryll Whitehead will be presented for the first time to help an inspiring performer follow their dreams and achieve success in their future ventures.
“Caryll was an energetic, inspirational and encouraging person who strongly believed that life presented many opportunities for one to follow their dreams,” Ms Renney said.
Two new adjudicators Ayesha Susic and Anne Credlin will also be involved for the first time, continuing a positive and encouraging approach at the showcase.
“We are very excited to have them both on board this year, Ayesha is very well-known around the region and began her singing career in Mount Gambier,” Ms Renney said.
“She has since then travelled around the world performing in shows and said she is delighted to be working alongside Anne, who has had an amazing career to date.”
Ms Susic is excited about the opportunity and said adjudicating the showcase allowed her to “tick an experience off her bucket list”.
“I am looking forward to giving something back to the community that has helped me so much,” she said.
“There really is no place like home and I still see that community spirit shining through here every time I return.”
Hoping to give children a platform to achieve their dreams, Ms Susic said she also wanted to give them a taste of what it was like in the real world of performance.
“I usually come back every two years to take part in the showcase, but I think it is my time to let the young ones come through and shine,” she said.
“I plan to give proactive, but realistic feedback.”
The Limestone Coast Choral and Vocal Showcase comes to an end this weekend with an array of performances taking place until then.
