Abu Dhabi boasts an exciting variety of singing groups, which have been around for some time. Names like Abu Dhabi Choral Group, Al Khubierat, Voices of Harmony, The Harmaniacs, Cantus and Blue Fever are constantly popping up on our radar.
We caught up with three of the town’s most popular ensembles and picked their musical brains.
Abu Dhabi Choral Group
Who are you?
Established in the late 1970s ADCG is the oldest choir in Abu Dhabi. We have 40-70 members, but this varies year to year.
What do you do?
We do accompanied choral music of all types including annual spring productions of full scale Broadway style musicals. Our concerts so far have included a wide variety of styles. We produce at least two major shows per year, one of which is a fully staged musical.
Our most successful production to date was Disney’s ‘Beauty and the Beast’, at the Armed Forces Officers Club and Hotel. We’ve also received popular acclaim for ‘The Music Man’ and ‘Anything Goes’ also at the Officers Club, as well as ‘Show Boat’ at the National Theatre and ‘Urinetown’ at Al Muna School.
What’s coming up this year?
We are currently in the process of choosing a new musical to be presented in May 2012
How do I sign up?
Email Alana, our membership coordinator at abudhabichoralgroup@gmail.com Alternatively you can sign up on our website at www.abudhabichoralgroup.com. A yearly membership costs Dhs100, though production fees may be added depending on cost of royalties and/or costumes. Auditions are only required of those wishing to attain soloist parts, and principal roles in the musicals.
Weekly rehearsals are held Tuesdays from 7.30-10pm. Drop the group an email for more information.
Voices of Harmony
Who are you?
Established in 2005, we are an all women’s barbershop group, composed of 20-30 members, who sing a cappella style (this means without accompaniment from musical instruments).
What do you do?
We sing upbeat melodies and ballads which include unccompanied women’s barbershop music, popular Christmas songs and an annual spring concert called ‘Just Voices.’ So far, we’ve performed at National Day parties for the United States Embassy, as well as at the Abu Dhabi Theatre, the Officer’s Club, the Cultural Foundation, the Emirates Palace Hotel, the Crowne Plaza and at various business luncheons and dinners. We’ve also performed at hotel events, fundraisers, and dinner parties.
What’s coming up this year?
We’ll be performing at Earth Hour on March 31. Additionally, we participate at the annual ‘Just Voices’ concert, which is coming up in May.
How do I sign up?
Voices of Harmony are auditioning now, so if you’d like to sign up for an audition, contact us at harmonyinad@yahoo.com. A friendly audition is required, as well as a commitment to attend practices regularly (we meet on Wednesdays at 7pm). The membership fee for the first year is Dhs300 and then Dhs200 per year thereafter. This covers the cost of equipment, music and costumes.
For more information call 050 442 0029, drop the group an email or check out their Facebook page Voices of Harmony Abu Dhabi.
Blue Fever
Who are you?
We are a 14 member ensemble of dedicated singers, and have been around since 2008.
What do you do?
We perform a cappella jazz arrangements of popular standards (think Beatles, rock with a bit Doo-Wop) from Big Band Jazz sounds to modern love songs all in 4-8 part harmonies. We’ve performed at theatres (including the Abu Dhabi Theatre, AFOC, and the Cultural Foundation) as well as at the Beach and Yas Rotana and Hilton Hotels. We’ve also sung at private party bookings held at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club and Le Royal Meridien.
What’s coming up this year?
We’ll be at ‘Earth Hour’ in March. We also participate in the annual ‘Just Voices’ concert every May, and will be there this year too. Currently we’re taking bookings for seasonal and spring events.
How do I sign up?
Membership is limited and an audition is required. Membership fees are Dhs200 per year and you must be committed to attend practices regularly.
For more info email bluefeverjazz@gmail.com or visit the Blue Fever A Cappella Jazz Ensemble Facebook page.
