Complications relating to COVID protocols have led to the delay of a major cultural event in Millicent.

A variety concert at the Millicent War Memorial Civic and Arts Centre planned for November 7 has yet again had to be postponed. The performance with the Millicent Choral Society and the Mount Gambier Concert Band is being rescheduled for April 2022.

Choral society musical director Michael Bleby explained the reason for the joint decision.

“Since the pandemic’s original ban on choir singing and the subsequent requirement to wear masks, the Millicent Choral Society has not been able to rehearse or perform locally,” Mr Bleby said.

“The reason for the directive affecting choirs concerns the risks associated with aerosol transmission of the Delta variant of the COVID virus.

“This has led to the cancellation of several concerts and the loss of occasions to raise the few funds needed for ongoing running costs.

“The opportunity and enjoyment of making music, singing for the local Aged Care home and performing for local audiences has now stopped for months on end.

“The more recent approval for choirs to sing wearing masks has not really changed anything as performing in masks is not regarded as realistically practicable.

“Some choirs are singing with masks, but for a reasonable sound, for proper diction, expression and coaching, faces need to be free of cover.

“At this stage the Millicent Choral Society cannot even prepare for the singing of carols this coming Christmas.

“It is hoped that COVID restrictions that affect singing and choirs in particular will be lifted soon, so that rehearsing can start in the new year.”

The Millicent Choral Society has been a regular participant since the 1990s in the annual Carols in the Shearing Shed but this popular public event was cancelled last year owing to COVID protocols.

The Millicent singers usually meet each Monday night at their long-time rehearsal venue in the music suite of Millicent High School but such sessions are temporarily on hold.