An island-based choir that describes itself as a community of singers is to restart its 2020 programme next week after the disruptions caused by the coronavirus restrictions.

The Isle of Man Choral Society is to resume its regular rehearsals from Thursday, September 10 at St Ninian’s School, Douglas at 7.30pm.

The organisers are inviting anyone who would want to take part in the large choral group to come along to an informal social evening next weekend on Friday, September 4, at St Andrew’s Church Douglas, from 7pm where prospective members of the choir will be able to find out more information and ask questions about what it takes to be part of the choir.

’We are a community choir which means that anyone may join us,’ said Belinda Pilling, from the choral society.

’There are no auditions and you do not have to be able to read music .

’We would really encourage people especially younger adults to come along and try.

’Singing is such good fun and the mental wellbeing from singing is immense.

’For those that are interested in learning to read music, workshops will be held on some weekends to help you and hopefully greatly enhance your enjoyment of singing.

’Please do come along to our social evening. We are a friendly bunch and will welcome you with open arms, ask as many questions as you wish, and we will do our best to answer them.’

The Isle of Man Choral Society is looking forward to performing its spring concert, a rendition of two works, Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana and Beethoven’s Fantasy at the Villa Marina on March 28, 2021.

This concert has had to be postponed and rescheduled twice in light of the restrictions, having originally been planned for March this year.

That concert was reorganised for September 25, later this year, but that too had to be scheduled with the announcement that the government had intended the Villa Marina to stay closed until October.

There is also a concert set to take place at the Trinity Church in Douglas on Saturday, February 13, 2021.

l More information on joining the Isle of Man Choral Society and their upcoming concerts can be found by visiting their website choral.im