A ‘like no other’ Tarantara choir prepares for charity performances in Dornoch, Grantown on Spey and Inverness to benefit Mikeysline and churches
Alvin M. Keeling
2 min read
A CHORUS “like no other” heads to the Highlands for a trio of very special concerts to raise money for good causes.
Tarantara is a mixed choir from the Midlands of England who have been singing very successfully and for a wide variety of charitable causes for almost 20 years.
Proceeds from the concerts go to the charity chosen by the organizer and over the years the choir has raised over £100,000.
Concerts in Inverness, Grantown and Dornoch the first three days of July will raise funds for Mikeysline.
Mikeysline provides mental health support in the Highlands and has rapidly expanded its services in recent years in response to demand.
The choir fully self-funds the trip, with members paying for their own accommodation, meals, travel, and visits to tourist attractions. They also don’t charge to perform at any venue.
Tickets will be sold for £7.50 at the door and in advance online, with 50% of proceeds going to Mikeysline from each performance and the other half going to the church to reinvest in the communities where the performances occur.
Performances will take place:
Friday 1 July at 7.30pm at Inverness Cathedral
Saturday July 2 at 7:30 p.m. at Grantown on Spey Church of Scotland
Sunday July 3 at 2 p.m. at Dornoch Cathedral.
Tarantara concerts are renowned for their high entertainment value. The repertoire is always varied – ranging from musical theater songs and pop hits of the past to classic choral pieces and adventurous contemporary works by Morton Lauridsen and Eric Whitacre.
Accompanist Chris Long, a professional musician and teacher, has performed for Tarantara since 2005. He said, “A Tarantara concert has something for everyone; an inspired musical selection, a very entertaining evening of singing. Anyone who thought a choir gig was a stuffy affair needs to hear Tarantara!
As well as performing locally, the choir loves to travel and have performed as guests in Spain, Wales, Cornwall, Norfolk and Sunderland.
In July, they are delighted to be able to add Scotland to their list of destinations and perform in the Highlands after having to postpone the tour from two years ago.
Helen, a long-time choir member, said: “We love singing together, but it’s all the more special to be part of an event organized by local people, for a cause they believe in and which benefit those who need it”.
Ticket information:
Online links: Inverness Cathedral Show https://www.eventbrite.com/e/346594221647
Inverallan Church of Scotland, Grantown on Spey show https://www.eventbrite.com/e/346598374067
Dornoch Cathedral https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/346600209557
Tickets can also be purchased by calling the churches, or at the door or emailing chris@grantfam.co.uk
