Wendy Goldsmith (64), who has lived with a rare and |severe form of epilepsy called Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome since the age of three, is performing at the Perth Concert Hall in The Spirit of the Streets Choir on May 6.
Goldsmith, who requires 24-hour care seven days a week, said she lives a full and active life and enjoys music and regular outings.
She said the choir, which celebrates its 10th birthday this month, was like family to her.
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READ NOW“I like the friendliness of all the choir members,” she said.
“The music lifts your spirits. It makes you enjoy yourself.”
The choir launched by musician Bernard Carney in 2007, has grown from being a handful of people to a membership of 85.
Carney said the choir was comprised of members from all walks of life with many having experienced high levels of social exclusion or stigma.
“We have people in the choir with autism or they may have issues with bipolar or schizophrenia. Sometimes people may disappear for months before they come back because obviously a range of our people has significant challenges that they deal with on a day to day basis,” Carney said.
“What I love most about the choir is that they exude joy and passion and they do it with gusto. I love that and there’s a lot of laughter.”
To celebrate its 10th birthday, the choir will perform at the concert hall on May 6 from 3.00pm.
Also taking part in the birthday performance is the Burundi Peace Band, Harry’s Anonymous – a recovery group who support a drug and alcohol free lifestyle, the Starlight Hotel choir and WA Deaf Arts who will sign songs in Auslan.
Tickets can be purchased at perthconcerthall.com.au; ticketmaster.com.au or from the Perth Concert Hall box office. Cost is $25 for general and $20 for concession.