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Spangles Ladies' Harmony Chorus win bronze prize at Prague singing competition
The ladies brought home the bronze after representing Murcia to the world
Murcia’s own ladies’ a cappella chorus, Spangles Ladies’ Harmony Chorus, were singing on the international stage this November when they competed in a major competition in Prague in the Czech Republic.
Spangles sing in four part harmony, rehearsing every Thursday morning at Los Narejos, Los Alcázares and regularly performing concerts around the southeast of Spain.
On Thursday November 7, they arrived in Prague after a long journey and were greeted at the airport by their guide, Klara. The Friday gave the women some free time to explore some of the city before they joined with several other choirs for a public concert in the evening at the beautiful Jan Huss church in Dejvice.
Saturday 9 was the serious day for the competition, which was held in the illustrious surroundings of Martinú Hall, now used as a music academy within the beautiful Lichtenstein Palace.
“After a long but very enjoyable day, competing against some excellent choirs, everyone sat in the concert hall as the prize winners were announced,” said Chorus Manager Lyn Baines. “Spangles members jumped for joy as they were announced as bronze winners in their category!”
The Chorus’s Musical Director, Barbara Burks, went on stage to receive the award as Spangles members whooped and clapped.
“I am so proud of every single member of Spangles” she said. “Everyone has worked so hard for this moment, including the ones who were unable to make the trip with us.”
Spangles celebrated in style that evening, at a beautiful Italian restaurant not too far from their hotel, but were sure to get an early night as they were singing at mass at the famous St Vitus Cathedral on Sunday morning, November 10, which was decidedly chillier than the ladies’ home region of Murcia.
“Temperatures were very low in Prague, reaching a crisp -1ºC on Sunday morning. Inside the cathedral, it was -2ºC!”
However, Spangles were warmed by the honour of being asked to sing during communion. After mass, Klara took them to a local cafe, where they warmed up with some delicious rum and hot chocolate…
They then made their way to the riverside, where they joined all the other singers for a river cruise and buffet. Lots of beautiful food, singing and laughter made the time fly by and they bid each other farewell.
“It was a well-organised weekend, and we have such beautiful memories that will stay with us forever” said Lyn Baines. “An unforgettable trip!”
Spangles has local businesses to thank for their sponsorship of the beautiful capes that kept them warm throughout, including The Salon, May Dental Clinic and the Gurkha Durbar restaurant.
“Those capes were so cosy and warm. We couldn’t have done without them.” said Lyn.
They have now returned safely to Los Alcázares where they celebrated their win with Antonio López Campoy, the local Councillor for Culture, who thanked them for representing Los Alcázares. They are now preparing for their busy Christmas season and hope to see friends and supporters at the various venues.
If you’d like to book Spangles for an event or you are thinking about joining them, you can find out more on their website www.spangleschorus.com or email info@spangleschorus.com.
