What a fabulous way to spend a rainy afternoon in Gerringong.

Gerringong Town Hall was filled to the brim on Sunday with smiles, song and community spirit as the Alchemy Chorus South Coast took the stage for their first solo concert.

Led by talented musical director Jenny Ferguson, the choir delivered a performance that had the audience buzzing with joy and joining in classic favourites.

With over 50 members, the Alchemy Chorus South Coast is a dementia-inclusive choir that welcomes people living with dementia, their loved ones and volunteer musicians from Gerringong, Kiama and Berry.

No auditions are needed here - just a love for singing and sharing stories.

The choir’s name, “Alchemy,” perfectly captures their mission: blending diverse voices into something truly golden, fostering connection and happiness through music.

The concert was a varied mix of memory-stirring classics and choir favourites, brought to life with vocal exercises, harmonies and the support of a stellar backing band.

Starting off with Chattanooga Choo Choo, and some old time favourites like Dream Lover and Ozzie classics such as Flash Jack from Gundagai – the crowd joined in with enthusiasm.

Local legends John McKenna on piano, Ken Freeman on percussion, and Denis Langley on trumpet and bass added a special spark to the performance, earning cheers from the crowd – even a miniature French horn and a washboard were among the variety of instruments.

Founded in 2022 by Dr Christa Wood with support from the Rotary Club of Gerringong, and inspired by the Alchemy Chorus Canberra, this choir is all about creating a space of “glorious ordinariness” where everyone feels valued.

They meet every Thursday from 10am to midday at the Uniting Church Hall in Kiama for weekly sessions of singing and community building.

The group has already made a name for itself, performing at local care homes, community centres, and even a joint concert with Alchemy Chorus Canberra in Goulburn in 2024.

Thanks to generous local sponsors, the choir continues to spread joy and support for both singers and their care partners.

The concert ended with a resounding encore and standing ovation – well deserved.

If you’d like to join the fun or learn more, go to alchemychorus.org. The Alchemy Chorus South Coast is proof that music still has the power to bring us together, rain or shine.