Northlands women’s institute mourns loss of choir-mistress
With heavy hearts the 11 remaining members have been trying to conserve the choir while mourning the loss of a beloved friend.
AFTER six decades, the Northlands Women’s Institute Choir (NWIC) could face their final curtain call. This comes after the passing of their choir-mistress, Zelda Byrne, in December last year.
With heavy hearts the 11 remaining members have been trying to conserve the choir while mourning the loss of a beloved friend.
“Zelda was our choir-mistress and our pianist for the last 55 years. She was such a talented woman and passionate about music. She meant so much to everybody. It has been difficult to go on without her,” said Joan Ground, one of the oldest members of the group.
Currently the songbirds are preparing for the NWIC’s 62nd anniversary, and are appealing to anyone who has a love of music to join the choir. The anniversary will be held on 20 May. The group practises every Thursday at the Birdsong Retirement Home in Umgeni Park at 9.30am.
“If there is anyone who has a love of music, plays the piano, enjoys leading the choir and is prepared to commit themselves to our choir, we would just love to hear from you,” said fellow choir member, Doreen Strauss.
The NWIC was formed by Eileen Could in 1953. Byrne also played the organ and conducted the choir at Our Lady Fatima Church for four decades. Contact Doreen Strauss on 083 273 9701.
