IT IS not often that there is a ‘musical first’ in Launceston, but last Friday, May 18, was the first occasion that the new ‘Bel Canto’ Ladies’ Choir, with their musical director Shelley Coulter-Smith and Launceston Male Voice Choir gave a combined concert in Launceston’s Central Methodist Church.

More than £400 was raised for charity during the evening when the audience was entertained not only by both choirs with their own chosen repertoires, but they also joined together to sing two favourite pieces, Do You Hear the People Sing? from ‘Les Miserables’ and concluded the evening with a very moving performance of Morte Christie.

Both Jonathan Mann and John Beare directed the Launceston choir and the accompanists were Carole Baker and Liz Mann.

It is now hoped that there will be other occasions and venues when and where the two choirs may perform together.

A spokesperson for the event said: “It was a perfect May evening for such an event, enjoyed thoroughly by all who were present.”

The concert was followed by refreshments in the church hall.