The recently-formed Shanty Choir has extended its repertoire and, as a result, has also changed its name. Choir leader Koos Terphoven has so impressed the management of local community association Âncora that the choir has been invited to participate in a special open air event in Santa Luzia on Saturday, October 12.
Organised by Âncora to show the wide range of activities they have, the event will be free to attend and open to people of all ages.
Koos is a qualified psychologist, musician and conductor with a passion for sea shanties.When he and his wife Rineke moved from the Netherlands to Portugal, she undertook to help him to set up and run a Shanty Choir. Rehearsals are every Thursday, at 4.30pm at the Community Centre (Âncora) in Santa Luzia, Tavira.
The Choir has Dutch, German, English and Scottish singers and musicians. Both men and women are welcome to participate. Shanty singing used to be a male domain and women singers would have to join a Fishwives’ Choir!
The Choir continues to sing shanties and has also introduced more traditional international songs, “all with a feel-good factor,” says Rineke.
At present, the choir is working on a fascinating repertoire which includes Grândola, Vila Morena, The Rose of Tralee, Kleine Café aan de Haven, Red Rose Café, Wild Rover, Drunken Sailor, Sailor Boy, De Colores and Bye Bye Roseanne.
926 684 061 | koos.algarve@gmail.com
