Forty-two years ago, singer Pam Hiensch scoured Richmond for a women's choir she could join. When she didn't find one, she decided to make her own. Her little bulletin received a huge response.
Now known as the Richmond Singers, the 55-women group is the largest and longeststanding choir in Richmond. The demand was so high, they had to cap the number for fear venues wouldn't be able to accommodate such a large group.
Many of the original members are still part of the choir, which speaks to the common bond the women share. Still the only women's choir in Richmond, the group offers a different dynamic than a co-ed choir would, according to Edith Turner.
"We're very supportive of each other," says Turner, who has been a member since 1994. "If people are having problems, we'll all pull together. We go on retreats together. We're like a tiny community."
Due to its size, the choir has a subsection of about 15 members who travel to perform at various community organizations such as long-term care facilities.
But those willing to see the choir in full can attend their annual holiday show, Once Upon a Wintertime, at Broadmoor Baptist Church on Saturday, Nov. 30 at 7 p.m. The show is a range of hits from classical and traditional to fun and upbeat songs.
"We put on a varied concert," says Lorna Clare, a three-year member. "There's a real variety, there truly is something for everybody."
Over the three years she's been part of it, she's seen the age of women interested increasingly become younger. The women now range from 25-75.
"It's a wonderful choir for women who have a passion to sing," says Clare. "We have a fantastic musical director (Natasha Neufeld) who chooses music that will challenge us. There's a lot of teaching involved."
The second show is on Sunday, Dec. 1 at 2:30 p.m., however, it is almost sold out.
