ONE of Worcestershire’s biggest contemporary choirs is to mark its fifth anniversary in style next month.

The VU – Voices Unlimited – Sound has become one of the largest ensembles in the county, having grown from 30 members to 120 in the past five years.

Along the way, the group has enjoyed singing in a wide range of venues, from a wet and windy Gheluvelt Park in their first year, to a sold out, three-day run at the Swan Theatre this summer.

They have performed at West Midland Safari Park, Malvern Theatres and the Birmingham Conservatoire. The choir will mark the anniversary by appearing with Steve Maitland, as he performs his tribute show to Canadian crooner Michael Bublé at the Swan Theatre on Saturday, September 14. Their musical director is internationally-known vocal coach Ria Keen, who has a PhD in contemporary vocals and is one of the most highly-qualified and experienced singing teachers in the UK. She brings 30 years of teaching experience to VU, along with a professional performing career spanning four decades.

A spokesman said: “She writes the choir’s arrangements and members are taught not only the right notes to sing but how to sing them with cutting-edge technique and in the right style.

“The choir prides itself on not sounding choral when delivering its huge repertoire. American singer PJ Proby ranks among their fans.”

For details, e-mail choir manager Anne Bradshaw at anne @voices-unlimited.co.uk or visit voices-unlimited. co.uk.