An Aberdeen barbershop choir which has grown from a handful of singers to competing internationally has celebrated its 40th anniversary.
The Aberdeen Chorus of Sweet Adelines International, a worldwide organisation of female barbershop and a cappella singers, marked the milestone online due to coronavirus restrictions.
Practice is also taking place through Zoom sessions, but that has not stopped a growing number taking part, with new members joining during lockdown.
The group was founded by American Olga Holcombe who, along with a few other expats who had relocated to the city on the back of the 1970s oil and gas boom, would meet regularly to sing barbershop.
In 1980 they staged their first concert at the Cowdray Hall in Aberdeen.
By the end of the 1980s the group had more than 50 members and begun to compete at national and international events.
Having won gold at the Sweet Adelines UK convention in 1989, the north-east singers were regular participants at the international convention in the USA by the early 90s, picking up several medals.
Regular performers at city venues such as Aberdeen Arts Centre, His Majesty’s Theatre, Queen’s Cross Church and the Bon Accord Centre, the group also often receive requests to perform at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary and nursing homes across the city.
The choir had qualified for this year’s international convention in Kentucky, USA in October, though due to the Covid-19 situation it looks likely the event will be cancelled or postponed.
However, the singers are making the best of a bad situation.
Member Mhairi Adie said: “We have continued to rehearse virtually each Monday on Zoom, with around 65 members tuning in.
“We would have celebrated 40 years in style together, but have had to make do with Zoom for the moment.
“We look forward to celebrating once we’re back together again.”
She added: “As well as the full chorus rehearsals every Monday, we have social meetings online on Fridays, which might include a quiz, and we also have section rehearsals on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
“It is so important to keep morale going with our members in the current situation.
“We have even had three new ladies join our Zoom sessions.”
For more information on Aberdeen Chorus of Sweet Adelines International, visit www.aberdeenchorus.scot
