Mr Paix is retiring  after conducting the choir for 19 years, with the honour announced at the choir’s annual dinner.

Patrons of the choir mayor John Davis and councillor Russell Turner as well as choir president David Woodside, spoke in glowing terms of the enormous contribution Mr Paix has made to the choir over many years and through that dedication, to the city of Orange.

It was a humble Mr Paix who stepped up to the microphone to acknowledge his award.

“This is a great honour and I think the choir will go from strength to strength,” he told choir members and their partners and supporters.

“You are strong and always will be strong.

“In some ways I don’t think people really understand - they look at this funny group, some hobbling on stage and then you open your mouths and its a beautiful sound,” he said.

Mr Paix went on to say being conductor of the choir during the time its name was restored from the Rowland Gregory Singers to the original name of the Orange Male Voice Choir, was a great privilege among many highlights of his years conducting the choir.

Mr Paix has held the baton as conductor during an exciting time for the choir which has included performances in the Great Hall in Parliament, and international tours of Wales and Ireland with a highlight the performance at Royal Albert Hall in London as part of a combined choir.

Choir accompanist Bev Glover who has worked with the choir since 1989 presented Mr Paix with a silver salver to mark the occasion.

As well, he was presented with a handmade replica from choir member Ken Fishpool of the treasured baton given to the choir in 1932 to mark the choir’s participation in the opening ceremony of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

During the tribute, Mrs Glover read congratulatory messages to Mr Paix sent from all over the world.

Apologies were received on the night from the choir’s two other patrons, Alwyn Humphreys from Wales, and Deidre Penhall.

Barry Paterson has now taken over as the new conductor of the choir.

janice.harris@fairfaxmedia.com.au