TWO dozen vocalists are preparing to perform in Apollo Productions' first show in almost two years.
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The Apollo Chorus Christmas Recital will feature the chorus performing a series of traditional Christmas carols as well as some contemporary songs across three nights in December.
Apollo president Fiona Beckwith-Elmi said a late decision to perform this Christmas was made when mask restrictions were loosened, allowing singers to rehearse together properly.
"It has been so good to get back," she said.
"We made the decision at the last moment because we waited until the rules changes around masks were made. (After that) we felt like we could get back together and rehearse well.
"(Chorus members) are so thrilled to be back signing and and making music. The Christmas recital is our flagship event and we didn't think we would get to do it."
Ms Beckwith-Elmi said the chorus was the largest it has ever been, showing how much members wanted to perform again.
"After 18 months of not being able to perform, we have assembled our largest and most impressive choir with 24 singers," she said.
"The sound in St Paul's Cathedral is beautiful. We have amazing singers including some very strong male performers.
"We are still keeping (audiences) small, about 80 each night. Ticket sales have been going really well over the three nights. It's good to know because we didn't know if people would keen to get out.
"But clearly people want to see quality music. It's been missing. I have certainly consumed a lot of shows online but it is nothing like seeing something live."
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The last time Apollo Productions hosted a show was the 2019 Christmas recital. They hoped to perform las t Christmas before COVID-19 restriction prevented it.
"We thought we might (sing last year) but as it panned out, we didn't," Ms Beckwith-Elmi said. "It was disappointing and not great for people's mental health. You need to keep singing to keep your skills up.
"But we are so pleased to be back and to be able to perform. People are excited about it.
The Apollo Chorus will present its Christmas recital on December 20, 21 and 22 from 8.30pm at St Paul's Cathedral. Bookings are essential through gotix.com.au or at The Capital's box office.
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