Pro Carmine’s concert at Nelm recently raised over R3 000 for Project Read, a literacy programme run by the Lebone Centre.
Pro Carmine’s concert at Nelm recently raised over R3 000 for Project Read, a literacy programme run by the Lebone Centre.
A sizeable audience took the chance to explore Grahamstown’s wonderful new building, enjoy a glass of wine and listen to a varied programme of songs ranging from Henry VIII and Orlando Gibbons to Lennon and McCartney and Ben E King (“a king at both ends” as choirmaster, Peter Breetzke pointed out).
The choir performed in Nelm’s spacious and stylish foyer, which, said Breetzke, has the perfect acoustics for this kind of a cappella singing.
Project Read trains volunteers that go into a number of primary schools around the city and work closely with Grade 1s and 2s, many of whom have English as a second or third language, to improve their literacy skills.
Kaitlin Yendall, Project Read Co-ordinator said: “On behalf of the Lebone Centre and the learners on our programme, I would like to thank all those who contributed to such a wonderful cause.
“The money raised will allow us to provide each learner with a few pieces of stationery to take home as well as an exercise book to practise what they have learnt this year.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for allowing us to spoil these precious children at our end of year party. We are so excited to be able to do this.”
Pro Carmine’s next performance will be at the Bedford Garden Festival on October 22, the first date on its annual Eastern Cape tour which, this year, moves on to Cradock and Nieu Bethesda.
The choir is also singing at the newly reinstated Bathurst Country Affair on Saturday 5 November and will perform their usual end of year concert, in aid of the Grocott’s Mail Christmas Cheer Fund, whose date is still to be announced.
