The Sydney Philharmonia Choir this year celebrates its centenary. What was intended as a jubilant year of performing has been transformed into Zoom rehearsals and learning music with the mute button on. Two longstanding members – lawyers Judith Edwards and Robert Green – tell us how they maintain the rhythm of performing during a pandemic and are keeping the magic of music alive. Photo: Jason McCormack
Zoom meetings are not renowned for their stellar acoustics. So, when the Sydney Philharmonia Choir (SPC) logs in to rehearse, only one thing is banned – microphones. Counterintuitive as it may seem for a gaggle of chorists, allowing only choirmaster Brett Weymark to leave his microphone on allows the entire dozens-strong choir to rehearse in the comfort of their own home. Keeping up this routine means their vocal cords will be well and truly warmed up for the resumption of many disrupted events.
The SPC, which several lawyers and even NSW District Court Judge Robyn Tupman are a part of, has, like many organisations, adapted to the challenges of COVID-19. The mute button has become a valuable asset.