Knox Church Choir Hosts Fundraiser for Four Young Singers

Knox Church Junior Choir will host a benefit concert this Sunday, November 1, to help four former members cover travel expenses. The event, titled the 'Cushion Concert,' begins at 2 p.m. at Knox Church and is open to all ages.

Organizers stated that younger attendees are encouraged to bring cushions to sit near the front of the church for a better view. The performance serves as a celebration of local young musicians while raising money for specific individuals who have advanced their careers.

The four beneficiaries are Billie Hinch, Alice Smith, Alexa Choie, and Rishi Shantapriyan. All four began their choral training as junior choristers at Knox Church. They are now members of the Aotearoa Choral Academy, one of New Zealand's national choirs. Their participation has required them to attend rehearsals and performances in Auckland, Christchurch, and Wellington.

Funds raised on Sunday will go toward flight and accommodation costs for the families of these young singers. The program will feature solos and duets by Hinch, Smith, Choie, and Shantapriyan. Additional musical contributions will come from the Knox Church Junior Choir, the Ōpoho Primary School Choir, and Logan Park High School's UVox group.

Alexa Choie and Robbie Eyres will also perform organ music as Knox Church organ scholars. Special guests are scheduled to appear during the evening's lineup. The Knox Church Junior Choir is a non-auditioned group for children between the ages of six and 14. Members rehearse weekly and sing in monthly church services, with additional performances during Christmas.

Entry to the concert is by donation. Suggested minimum contributions are $5 for children, $10 for adults, and $25 for families.