A CHOIR of survivors is in the Tamworth area Saturday and Sunday, singing about survival, support and healing.
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The D Majors is a choir of women who have been touched by cancer as survivors or supporters, named after the key that is often used to create anthems and uplifting music.
Formerly known as the Choir of Hard Knockers, The D Majors are hoping Tamworth will be their launchpad into regional NSW, where they will spend the next year or so spreading their message of music, fun and friendship.
Singing with the sisterhood really is the best therapy.
The choir will perform True Survivor, a song written for and dedicated to the choir by Tamworth-born Alison Lancey, herself a survivor of childhood cancer.
The performance of True Survivor will feature a string ensemble from the Tamworth Regional Conservatorium of Music.
The former Tamworth resident said it was a song of celebration and inspiration.
“I was going along to choir, and felt inspired by their energy and electricity,” Dr Lancey said.
“I wrote this song about them and for them, but I never thought they would want to sing it.”
Dr Lancey said the most special thing about the choir was how supportive and loving the choir members were towards each other.
She said that choir founder and conductor, Lauren O’Brien, infused the group with energy.
“They really respond to her and have a great time, and for the two hours they completely forget their treatment that they’re going through and the problems in their lives,” Dr Lancey said.
“It’s just such a healing thing.”
She is a cancer survivor herself, having battled acute lymphoblastic leukaemia when she was five, and said she had that understanding of what people were going through when they had treatment.
Dr Lancey said the choir wanted to visit Tamworth because the members were aware their country sisters didn’t always have the support available in major cities.
On Saturday, there will be a free workshop between 10am and 11.30am at Tamworth Community College exploring the feel-good, healing powers of group singing for local women touched by cancer.
At 2pm the choir will sing for staff and patients at Tamworth hospital, and in the evening the women will perform a few songs to support a fundraiser for Inala House at the Kootingal Hotel.
The Tamworth visit culminates in a concert at the town hall on Sunday at 2pm with special guest, rising singing star Lucy Crane, whose grandmothers have had breast cancer.
