End of an era as Forres choir bows out
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A CHOIR which has spread the joy of singing for nearly half-a-century has given its final sell-out performance.
An audience of more than 450 people packed St Laurence Church in Forres on Saturday for the last concert by the Culbin Singers.
All those gathered rose to their feet as conductor Alistair Hardie BEM took the stand to lead the choir's Christmas Concert, accompanied by Edith Cook on piano and Gordon Tocher on organ.
A packed programme played out featuring festive favourites, with audience members joining in on many of the songs.
As the final notes soared through the air, rapturous applause filled the building.
The group's publicity secretary Alasdair Joyce described the event as a "terrific send-off" from a wonderful audience.
The retiring collection raised more than £1600 for the St Laurence Church’s organ restoration fund.
The concert was the 127th given by the singers, who formed in 1971 and have gone on to perform choral works of great magnitude and diversity under Mr Hardie's baton.
Along the way, they have raised thousands for local and national causes and spread the love of song.
With an ageing membership and difficulties in recruiting younger members, members gathered in September when the decision was taken to end on a high note.
