Summerset Sponsors Senior Singers

15 August 2012

Summerset Sponsors Senior Singers

SUMMERSET has announced its sponsorship of the Summerset NZ Young@Heart Chorus – a singing group for over 70s who are out to prove grandmas and granddads know how to kick up their heels.

Led by musical director Christina Bevan, the Chorus sings contemporary music accompanied by the Steve Voisey Rock Band. Included in its current repertoire are songs by Bruno Mars, Split Enz, Cold Play, LMFAO, and Dave Dobbyn.

The 30 members came together in March of this year and are currently preparing for their first round of concerts, to be held in Howick and Whangaparoa in Auckland on September 15th and 16th.

The Chorus is connected to the American Young@Heart Chorus that completed a successful New Zealand tour in 2010. The tour was also sponsored by the leading retirement village developer and operator.

“Like the rest of the world, we were absolutely awestruck by the American Young@Heart Chorus,” Summerset CEO Norah Barlow said.

“We jumped at the chance to help establish a Kiwi version of this amazing group. At Summerset we believe people can do anything at any age. This chorus proves age is no barrier to living life.”

Chorus member Nola Neas said being in the chorus was “exhilarating”.

“It’s just so joyous, all coming together and singing. The songs start off as a challenge, they are from a different generation’s music, but it feels so good when we are successful.”

Among Ms Neas’ favourite tunes sung by the chorus were Something in the Water by Brooke Fraser, We are Young by Fun, and Party Rock Anthem by LMFAO.

“My favourite would be the beautiful song sung by Susan Boyle, Who I was Born to Be. There are so many beautiful songs.”

Ms Neas sings in the chorus with her husband Bill Yates. The couple are both looking forward to continuing to break through the stereotypes of aging and retirement together.

“At this age we’re expected to be sitting round in arm chairs,” Ms Neas said.

“People who come and see the concerts will be surprised. Maybe amazed.”

Ms Neas and Mr Yates were two of five Kiwis who were chosen to tour with the American Young@Heart Chorus on its New Zealand tour.

“On leaving, the musical director Bob Cilman challenged us to set up our own chorus. It’s been some eighteen months of hard work but we have made it and are grateful to Summerset for sharing our vision. We are very much looking forward to performing for the public.”

Tickets for the Summerset NZ Young@Heart Chorus ‘Yes We Can Can’ performances are available at iTickets www.itickets.co.nz or (09) 361 1000.

About Summerset

Summerset is a leading nationwide retirement village operator with a focus on providing residents with a continuum of care. The integration of care facilities into Summerset's Villages provides residents with the knowledge that care is available for them should their needs change.

Summerset is the third largest operator, and the second largest developer of retirement villages in New Zealand, with 14 operational villages across the country. It provides a range of living options and aged-care facilities and services to almost 2000 residents.

Summerset has a strong development pipeline for future growth. Five Villages are currently under development. Summerset also has three quality land sites in Karaka, Katikati and Hobsonville and is continually evaluating new sites to support the development of further villages based on demand.

Summerset was named best retirement village operator in New Zealand and Australia at the Australasian Over-50s Housing Awards in both 2010 and 2011.

Summerset's highly experienced senior management team is led by CEO Norah Barlow who is also the Immediate Past President of the Retirement Villages Association of New Zealand, a position which she held for seven years.

The Summerset Group operates villages in Aotea, Hamilton, Hastings, Havelock North, Levin, Manukau, Napier, Nelson, Palmerston North, Paraparaumu, Taupo, Trentham, Wanganui and Warkworth.

ENDS

© Scoop Media