RENAISSANCE, Exmouth’s ladies barbershop chorus, has been celebrating their win at the Devon Performing Arts Festival held in Exeter last week.

RENAISSANCE, Exmouth’s ladies barbershop chorus, has been celebrating their win at the Devon Performing Arts Festival held in Exeter last week.

The chorus entered two classes this year, achieving a first place in the small choir class and a very close second in the barbershop section, earning distinctions in both events.

This year’s festival, at South Street Baptist Church, runs from March 8 to the finale of the Gala Concert on April 2 and on consecutive days held competitions for speech and drama, including sonnets and soliloquies, singing, instrumental and keyboard categories.

“This is the first time we have entered this class” said Sue Brown, chairman of Renaissance.

“And despite stiff competition from several others choirs, Renaissance pulled it off. “The girls are thrilled. The judge was so impressed by Wendy Bishop’s opening solo of One Voice that he wrote ‘What a wonderful opening!’ and complimented our Musical Director Maire Hoppins who said ‘outstanding, this number. Well sung!’

She added that Renaissance had quite a few events coming up this year including recording a new CD, a series of charity events and competing in the Jersey International Music Festival from May 6 to 9.

Sue Brown said: “Fund raising will be very important. We are liaising with a very generous local business to open our own three day shop and in true Renaissance style we are echoing our trademark black and white spots in its name. So watch the local press for more information on Renaissance Spotty Shop.”

Renaissance meets at Christchurch Hall in North Street, Exmouth on Tuesday at 7.30pm. If you would like more information come along or call Sue on 01395 224062 or Kay on 01395 277306