A local male-voice choir is searching for a new musical director, after its long-serving conductor stepped down from the role.

After 34 years keeping the Lon Dhoo Male Voice Choir in harmony, Wendy McDowell is set to retire as the choir’s musical director in October.

Chairman Henry Newson paid tribute to Wendy, saying that under her stewardship, the choir has enjoyed many memorable experiences.

’The highly esteemed Mrs Wendy McDowell is standing down as after more than 34 years at the helm,’ said Henry.

’The choir will greatly miss their loyal and remarkable leader.

’Under her leadership the choir have enjoyed singing, and entertaining, the length and breadth of the island.

’As Wendy is known to say, "We’ve sung in almost every parish and nearly every church", which is a feat in itself.’

During her time as leader, Wendy and the Lon Dhoo choir have made appearances across the world at choir festivals in the UK, Ireland and even Canada, as well as singing regularly in the island’s bi-annual Festival of Choirs.

Henry said this has allowed them to make lasting friendships along the way.

Wendy has also enjoyed leading the choir to many successes in the Manx Music and Drama Festival (The Guild), which Henry described as having been ’challenging and memorable’.

’Wendy herself said "I’ll miss my boys", having met weekly for 34 years,’ added Henry.

’But she feels that now is the time to hand the baton on to a younger pair of hands.’

The Lon Dhoo, which was formed by the famed Isle of Man music figurehead Douglas Buxton in 1937, along with their female counterparts, the Lon Vane Ladies Voice Choir, who formed in 1946 , will be looking to start a new chapter in their 80-year history and is looking for another charismatic musical director.

Anyone who is interested in applying for the role should get in contact with choir secretary Gary Corkhill at [email protected] or telephone 498773 for more information.

l The Lon Dhoo Male Voice Choir are in concert tonight (Thursday) at St Catherine’s Church Hall, Port Erin from 7.45pm.

The concert is free to attend and there will be a retiring collection.