Perth’s Jambouree Choir are tuning up to celebrate a joyful Christmas with traditional carols and songs. Conducted by Rona Mackenzie, and accompanied by Edna Auld, the young singers, aged 5-14, will be joined by the Jambouree Cabaret Singers for a concert in St Leonard-in-the-Fields Church, Marshall Place, on Sunday 18th December, starting at 7pm.

When Edna Auld founded the choir over 10 years ago she never imagined its continued success. Their aim was to make singing available to all and so it remains completely free to members today. Their first engagement was to sing for the Queen at the opening of Perth Concert Hall. In their plans for the 2017 season, they will be making appearances at Pitlochry Festival Theatre as well as preparing for a production of ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat’ in June.

‘The 35-strong choir is principally funded by its own success,” Edna Auld reports. “Some of those who formed part of that first choir in 2005 not only continue to take part in its concerts, but now form the Jambouree Cabaret Singers, a semi-professional choir with a repertoire ranging from the operatic classics, through light entertainment and musicals to a hilarious revival of ‘Scotland the What’ that ensures them sell-out audiences at venues across the country.”

“We are able to retain the services of our expert vocal coaches thanks to the funds raised by the Cabaret Singers. The youngsters are also inspired by being able to sing along with the older members, some of whom are now attending the Royal Scottish Conservatoire.”

The choir regularly performs in support of local charities.

Earlier that Sunday afternoon (18th December), the Jambouree Cabaret Singers will join the praise at the Provost’s Lessons and Carols in St John’s Kirk at 3pm, a traditional festival of readings and hymns for Christmas.