From Live Performance to Singing Online has meant the survival of one of the oldest amateur choirs in Scotland.

The Covid Pandemic has affected singing more than other activities and choirs which had to stop live singing immediately in March 2020 will be the last organisations to be able to return to normal. Ayr Choral Union with the help of their enthusiastic Music Director, Andy McTaggart, were able to continue singing by producing a series of online rehearsals and concerts throughout the pandemic , including Messiah, Christmas related sessions and a Spring series .

Rehearsals and live concerts by the choir, as pictured above, were immediately stopped. This could have had a major effect on the choir and its members. While singing is most important there is a major social aspect to the choir and for many members, some of whom are elderly, the loss of this interaction would have been very difficult. Singing is well recognised to improve both physical and mental well being and by moving the choir's activities online it has been possible to maintain social interaction and reduce social isolation for many members, some of whom were shielding. The vast majority of singers embraced the new way of singing and were assisted with the new technology when required. The online sessions have attracted guest singers from many parts of the country and the feedback the Choral Union has received has been excellent.

The main income of the choir comes from live concert receipts. This has been lost in past year and the choir has relied on membership fees, guest fees, some friends' subscriptions, donations and limited external funding. This did not cover the expenditure and I know that the choir has had to use its reserves to cover the deficit.

I am not a singer myself but have been a big supporter of the choir for many years and have enjoyed many of their concerts. In this difficult year and having been the interim Treasurer of the Choral Union I wish to support them as much as possible.

Ayr Choral Union is a registered charity which supports choral singing in all age groups and regularly runs concerts and "Come and Sing Events" to attract younger singers. All the money raised through this page will be donated to Ayr Choral Union to allow the choir to continue in the future, hopefully singing in live venues, or to continue their very successful online venture.