The Maroondah Singers celebrated their 50th birthday in style before a packed audience at Melba College Theatre in Croydon on Sunday June 17.

The 50th anniversary concert provided a wonderful afternoon of entertainment from the choir led by musical director Lyn Henshall and accompanist John Atwell and four amazing soloists in our past three Vocal Scholars – Lyndon Green, James Emerson, Jenna Roubos and this year’s Harmony Lee.

The program featured duets of different styles, stirring choral and classical pieces and performances from both the male and female sections of the choir – Silent Worship for the basses and tenors and the Nun’s Chorus for the sopranos and altos led by Nadia Migliardi.

After the concert former and current members of the choir, family and friends enjoyed a lovely dinner at the nearby Casalinga Restaurant.

A week later the choir made another bit of history when they sang three songs during the monthly meeting of the Maroondah City Council also in Croydon.

Mayor Nora Lamont said it was the first time in the history of council that a group of singers had performed in the council chambers and presumed that it was also a first for the Maroondah Singers.

Before we sang she presented choir president Peter Naughtin with a Letter under Seal and plaque to recognise our 50th anniversary and contribution to the community.