Queenstown choirs sing and raise funds for children in war-torn Gaza as part of global Peace One Day

CAPTION:  L-R) Margaret Haines, Mark and Emma Wilson. 


Queenstown choral groups are coming together next month for a special one-off performance to promote peace and unity in the world and raise funds for children suffering in war-torn countries.

As part of the worldwide initiative Peace One Day, the Queenstown Community Choir, Lakes Community Music School and Corus Children’s Choir will join choir groups across the globe to use singing as a way of spreading the massage of peace.

On September 21 2014 there will be a special music concert - One Day One Choir Sing for Peace - in the Queenstown Memorial Centre from 4pm with proceeds from entry donations ($5 door donation) going to the local choirs and UNICEF’s Gaza Appeal.

Queenstown Community Choir Musical Director Emma Wilson said the decision to be a part of the event and raise funds was a “no brainer” as soon as the committee heard about Peace One Day.

“We’d already picked out our annual concert date and then we realised it was the same day as Peace One Day. Peace and unity in our world is something that’s very close to all our hearts,” said Ms Wilson.

“When we found out that there’s an initiative called One Day One Choir as part of the event, we really liked the idea of being part of a worldwide choir for peace.”

“In the Wakatipu we’re so very far removed from some of the world’s most violent areas but a desire for peace in our lifetime is a very real issue for many Queenstowners. We know there’ll be a lot of people in the community affected by war and unrest and our local One Day One Choir event will provide them with a chance to think about those we’ve lost,” she said.

“It also enables us all to feel like we’re doing something about the issues in our world today.”

The call is now out for anyone in the district who loves singing and wants to help “sing in the name of peace”. People of all ages and singing abilities should contact Margaret Haines choir administrator to be a part of the day.

“If you love singing, belong to another choir, run one or want to join one just for the day, then One Day One Choir is a perfect way to get together and sing for peace on Peace Day. Our theme this year is music from around the world, which is quite apt.”

According to the website, One Day One Choir mobilises the inspirational and harmonious power of choral singing to unite people globally to spread awareness of, and increase engagement on, Peace Day, 21 September.

“We’ll be joining choirs around the world to step forward and sing for peace. It’s an exciting initiative which provides an inclusive and meaningful opportunity to sing as ‘one choir’ in a positive and peaceful celebration.”

“Queenstown has a strong musical vein running through its streets and we know people will join us in celebrating this momentous day. It’ll be great to be a part of something bigger.”

For as long as people have had voices they have sung together. Singing together is healing, empowering, inclusive, inspiring and uplifting – and it can be done by everyone.

Team leaders and children from the Wakatipu Youth Trust will be running a ‘Light a candle for peace’ initiative on the day.

“We’ll have the word PEACE written in chalk at the Memorial Centre entrance so people can buy a tealight candle to light in somebody’s memory, generally for peace or for whatever other reason that’s close to them,” said Ms Wilson.

“Candles are a symbol of peace and this will provide a very visual element for those attending and others passing by. All candle donations will go to UNICEF.”

Door entry to the concert will be a $5 per person donation and a large portion of the funds raised will be donated to the UNICEF Gaza appeal.

https://www.unicef.org.nz/gaza?referrerid=2&gclid=Cj0KEQjwu_eeBRCL3_zm8aOtvvkBEiQApfIbGPYenMY6AkEv5ZKBTXiysCZstMTQ8iNPaZQp353x9soaAo_K8P8HAQ

The local Association of Anglican Women (AAW) will be in the kitchen providing drinks and yummy snacks and there will also be a raffle with great prizes up for grabs.