MUSIC DIRECTOR’S REPORT 2021
AGM : February 2022
I remember saying that 2020 was most extraordinary, and 2021 was not much different. The only thing that we really managed to do properly were the Christmas concerts, and even so, those were interrupted by the arrival of the omicron variant of COVID.
That aside, it was great to be singing together again, and the fact that we could do a concert at all was very special and quite emotional.
Thanks to Ron and Jenny Gill, who enhance our concerts with their visual presentations, which are taking the place of printed programmes – just another of the things that has changed due to COVID.
It was fun to do a Christmas concert with brass ensemble, which lends a very particular sound to the concert. Even though only 9 musicians, it’s really a big and rich sound. The choir sang well, despite masks, and it was a fitting end to 2021 and a new beginning for all of us going forward.
I thank you all for your devotion to the choir and I’m delighted that we have been able, in the last few months, to welcome a whole lot of new members to the choir. This is very encouraging, and it bodes well for the future.
Thank you to all our patrons, sponsors and friends who continue to support us, despite the lack of performances.
And a big thank you to the committee who have been working very hard behind the scenes to bring us back to normal as quickly as possible.
Let’s look forward to a problem-free 2022!
RICHARD COCK
Music Director
CHAIRMAN & TREASURER’S REPORT 2019
AGM : February 2022
The Choir has remained dormant for most of the year due to COVID-19 regulations and restrictions making the rehearsal and performance of choral works either impossible or financially unviable. However, with a relaxation of the numbers permitted to gather in an indoor venue, the Choir was able to restart rehearsals in September and presented two Christmas concerts at the Linder Auditorium, albeit with both Choir and audience members wearing masks. The Choir was supported by a Brass Ensemble to save costs. Unfortunately, the appearance of the Omicron variant reduced audience numbers to well below the 50% capacity allowed by regulation.
Choir members also took part on a voluntary basis in a Christmas concert at Steyn City which, despite the rain, proved to be a most enjoyable event with a full orchestra and a full programme of works sung by the Choir and soloists. This generated additional income of R25,000.
The Choir’s 2021 concert programme was performed at a gross surplus of R8,683. This, together with income from sponsorships, membership subscriptions and other income sources substantially covered the operating expenditure, resulting in an overall operating deficit of R35,348. The Choir finished the year with reserves of R822,711.
My thanks go to Richard Cock and Jenny Gill for their ongoing contribution in raising corporate sponsorships in the current challenging circumstances. My thanks also go to those patrons, sponsors and friends, many of whom are Choir members, who continued to give generously despite the cessation of Choir concert activities. As in past years, this generosity has made a vital difference to the Choir’s financial position, contributing donations of R105,690 in an unusual year.
Thanks are also due to all those who give of their time and skill to ensure that Choir activities continued to run as smoothly as possible during the lockdown. In particular, I would like to mention Debbie Kruger and Alex Trinder-Smith, for Choir administration; all the members of the Choir Committee, for their advice and efforts; and Maddy Farrant, who administers the Choir membership subscriptions.
Finally, of course, I must record my gratitude to our incomparable Music Director, whose expertise, energy, humour and entrepreneurial skill in these difficult times has helped the Choir to continue making music. We look forward to better days in 2022.
STEVE BALL
2022