Last attempt to save Kilmarnock Choir as choir leader pleads for members

A choir secretary has appealed to save her beloved Ayrshire choir.

Ellen MacLeod admits she fears for the future of Kilmarnock and District Choral Union, which was formed in 1948, as they are down to just 16 members due to being unable to perform a gig since Covid shut down the country .

Now she says it’s the last chance to bring the members back – with an afternoon rehearsal under consideration if it proves popular.

The choir currently rehearses Monday evenings at Grange Academy and Ellen, who is both secretary and treasurer of the choir, says anyone who wants to is more than welcome.

She told the Kilmarnock Standard: ‘There’s no income at all because we don’t put on gigs.

“We’re down to 16 members so it’s tough, they’re all very loyal, but there’s not much we can do.

“We haven’t been allowed to have any concerts since 2019, and only now can we start thinking about it again.

“It’s reasonable to start the concerts again, but we just don’t have the numbers for that anymore.

“The music director is ready to move to afternoon meetings as it is an older people’s choir and most older people don’t like going out in the evenings since lockdown for various reasons.

“But if we manage to sort out an afternoon session, that means we won’t have any youngsters because they’ll be working, that’s a catch-22.

“I don’t know where we’re going, it’s really the last gasp.

“I’ve done everything I can, and I don’t want to give up, so we have to do everything we can to get more members and get the choirs going again.”

Ellen added: “As well as singing in the Great Hall and various churches in Kilmarnock and Ayrshire, we have sung with the Glasgow Cathedral Choir and the Scottish National Orchestra Chorus and recorded with the Scottish National Orchestra.

“We have had soloists who have gone on to successful careers in oratorio and opera and we hope that by continuing to involve students and singers early in their musical life, we can encourage and support classical singers from around the world. future.

“The Union chorale has tried to appeal to lovers of purely classical repertoire as well as to reach an audience that simply enjoys the thrill of listening to a full choir and orchestra or the more intimate setting of Christmas carols with the accompaniment of organ in a church.

“We hope we can continue to be part of the musical life of Kilmarnock and play our part in entertaining and educating both audiences and choir members.”

Anyone interested in joining the choir should email emacleod@virginmedia.com or call (01563) 543180 / 07792 570797.

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