The West Hartford Women’s Chorale is unable to perform, but is continuing to serve the community.

Hand-crafted cards will be delivered by the West Hartford Women’s Chorale in early December. Courtesy photo

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 All over the world music has lifted people up during the 2020 pandemic.

In normal times, the West Hartford Women’s Chorale would have offered music as an inspiration and a balm during this time of forced isolation. Unable to perform live music or even offer in-person rehearsals, the Chorale has found another way to serve the community with two projects.

The coronavirus pandemic and the related economic downturn have dramatically increased the number of families struggling to put food on their table. In response, Chorale singers have been collecting food for the West Hartford Food Pantry. On Nov. 13, Chorale volunteers delivered three car trunks overflowing with food staples.

West Hartford Women’s Chorale volunteers Karen Bachman and Diana Henkel pick up food. Courtesy photo

Some of our hardest hit residents have been seniors living in long term care facilities. Because of coronavirus safety restrictions, many seniors have been isolated from family and friends, taking a toll on their emotional wellbeing. Chorale singers have initiated a creative response to support these seniors. Partnering with the Mercy Care Community, Hamilton Heights, and Middlewoods of Farmington, the Chorale will deliver hundreds of handmade greeting cards crafted by Chorale singers in early December.

The Chorale plans to repeat the food drive and the cardmaking project after January.

Although silenced from any form of live singing, the Chorale has also thought of a way to keep singing alive. The WHWC has been offering a limited Virtual Fall Semester for its present singers. Singers have met in virtual bi-monthly rehearsals with Music Director, Ethan Nash and are preparing a concert video to be produced in January.

Go to www.whwchorale.org for more information about the West Hartford Women’s Chorale.

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