2022 Concert Reviews
Read about our performances at recent events below...
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Checkout our Facebook Account and YouTube Channel
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Gloucestershire Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers;
Joint Concert with the Wide Valley Singers - July 2nd 2022
Joint Concert with the Wide Valley Singers - July 2nd 2022
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Singing for friends in need
by Rev Barry Taylor 
It’s sometimes hard to find something special to talk about when we do a concert. But last night, yet again, was special. I met a former colleague and friend I hadn’t seen for twenty years; I chatted with lady members of the Wide Valley Chorus; and all about our shared passion for singing. So actually there was something special in the air. We blasted out our first-half repertoire and then the Wide Valley Singers did theirs (and some of us got a ticking off for joining in). Yet again a member of the audience said how much the words of “Anthem” meant given the invasion of Ukraine, so that’s a number to keep going for a while. We ended up with both choirs stood together on stage singing three songs including “Jerusalem” and it was one of those tingly moments. Afterwards I asked the Vicar of St Katherines why there were so many half-paper-plates attached to the columns all around
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the church, and she told me they were to represent doves of peace. I hope we brought a bit more of that universal peace to our audience last night. And (though I don’t know the amount yet) I hope we helped raise some urgent funds for the Gloucestershire Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers fund. That has got to be special!
"Beer Festival", The Pelican Inn, Gloucester.
Friday; June 10th; Start 16:30 - FREE EVENT
Friday; June 10th; Start 16:30 - FREE EVENT
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PELICAN DEVOURS MUSIC WHOLE
By Rev Barry Taylor 
A very different gig today from the last few. It was still in the open air, like the ones over the Jubilee weekend, but this time in the courtyard of the Pelican Inn in Gloucester, celebrating its tenth anniversary beer festival. The acoustics were challenging, we were all packed tight, but the audience (some of them already fuelled up and ready for a song) absolutely lapped it up. Our repertoire was tailored for the audience so, as well as must-haves like “Anthem”, “World in Union” and (my favourite) “Nessun Dorma”, we threw in sing-along crowd-pleasers like “Is this the way to Amarillo”, “The sloop John B” and a range of sea shanties. In many ways this was more like an afterglow (where the choir relaxes in a bar over beer and a few more songs informally after a concert) than a formal concert itself. As a result the music was sometimes a bit ragged, but it really didn’t matter – the choir enjoyed it, and the audience loved it. One lady told me afterwards that it lifted the spirits and brought happiness where there hasn’t been for the last couple of years – you can’t get better than that!
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Churchdown Parish Queens Platinum Jubilee Celebration
and Beacon Lighting at Churchdown Park
and Beacon Lighting at Churchdown Park
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Singing in The Sunshine
by Greg Owen What a lovely day to be singing for many of the residents of home at Churchdown. The Brass Band on before us was well received, and prepared the audience nicely for The Main Event!. The weather was glorious if a little cold out of the bright sunshine. The choir stood under the cover of a marquee which kept the heat of the sun off us, while the audience, in this very well attended event, basked in the early evening sunshine. James struck up the longest introduction to 'God Save The Queen' that any of us had ever heard, and the audience all had to stand up and sing it once more, then off we went. The National Anthem was swiftly followed by one of our standard concert starters, 'Anthem', and a programme of many of our best pieces followed. Steve did a fine job of comparing on-the-hoof, as did Ralph keeping us in order. The choir's performance was up to par, impressing many of the audience judging by the feedback. This was the first of three opportunities in early June to publicise the choir and to recruit new members. We had our banners erected so that the audience had no doubt who was performing, and publicity/recruitment flyers were distributed by choir members during the interval. We had a very positive response with several gentlemen in the audience expressing |
an interest in joining the choir - result! Unfortunately, the beacon lighting was not so successful. After a few attempts, the gas fired beacon sprang into life, but then went out after a few minutes, not to return.
Churchdown MVC in Concert in Aid of Guide Dogs
A SONG FOR A DOG
by Rev. Barry Taylor.
by Rev. Barry Taylor.
Tonight saw yet another superlative concert by the Churchdown Male Voice choir, this time to an audience of about 100 people at the Finlay Road Baptist church in Gloucester.
Three things particularly struck me within the first five minutes: the lady in floods of tears on the back row during “Bridge over troubled water” (she must have had history with this song – I hope it is nice history); the way some people joined in, some with eyes closed, reflecting maybe on the beauty of the music or the meaning behind the lyrics; and the calmness and placidity (if that isn’t a real word it should be) of the guide dogs in the audience. Most were guide dogs in training, and that is really what tonight was all about – supporting a fantastic charity that gives people freedom to move; freedom to live.
Once again it was a fairly broad repertoire, from reflective pieces like “Amazing Grace” and “The Lord’s my Shepherd” through heart-throbbers like “The Impossible Dream” and “Can you feel the love tonight” to rousing numbers like “World in Union” and of course “Nessun Dorma”. We also threw in some wonderful soloes, with “Annie’s Song” being one highlight of many. And yet again we had a standing ovation by the end. Only one bloke seemed to fall asleep, but “Nessun Dorma” certainly woke him up!
The evening concluded with a moving talk by a guide dog owner, about how crucial they are to a life beyond the front door of the house (and his jokes were almost as good as our own compere’s). He brought it home to us about why we are supporting this charity, at the same time as we are enjoying ourselves engaging in our passion for singing. That’s got to be a real win/win.
Net amount raised for Guide Dogs £959
Tonight saw yet another superlative concert by the Churchdown Male Voice choir, this time to an audience of about 100 people at the Finlay Road Baptist church in Gloucester.
Three things particularly struck me within the first five minutes: the lady in floods of tears on the back row during “Bridge over troubled water” (she must have had history with this song – I hope it is nice history); the way some people joined in, some with eyes closed, reflecting maybe on the beauty of the music or the meaning behind the lyrics; and the calmness and placidity (if that isn’t a real word it should be) of the guide dogs in the audience. Most were guide dogs in training, and that is really what tonight was all about – supporting a fantastic charity that gives people freedom to move; freedom to live.
Once again it was a fairly broad repertoire, from reflective pieces like “Amazing Grace” and “The Lord’s my Shepherd” through heart-throbbers like “The Impossible Dream” and “Can you feel the love tonight” to rousing numbers like “World in Union” and of course “Nessun Dorma”. We also threw in some wonderful soloes, with “Annie’s Song” being one highlight of many. And yet again we had a standing ovation by the end. Only one bloke seemed to fall asleep, but “Nessun Dorma” certainly woke him up!
The evening concluded with a moving talk by a guide dog owner, about how crucial they are to a life beyond the front door of the house (and his jokes were almost as good as our own compere’s). He brought it home to us about why we are supporting this charity, at the same time as we are enjoying ourselves engaging in our passion for singing. That’s got to be a real win/win.
Net amount raised for Guide Dogs £959
A SCANNER FOR A SONG
by Rev. Barry Taylor.
by Rev. Barry Taylor.
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What a fantastic evening! The two ladies in the front row of the audience passing tissues around said it all. Absolute emotion. Joy at being part of a musical celebration of life.
For me, a new member of the choir after moving from South Wales, where I had the pleasure of singing in two choirs, this was a deeply moving experience. And to do it in a context of raising money for a crucial charity, when people are being displaced by invasion and war in Ukraine, and where people have suffered so much during the Covid years, made it really special. We weren’t all quite concert-ready. Some didn’t know all of the words to the songs, the places to come in and the places to go “oohh”. We weren’t perfect, but it doesn’t matter, we all had enormous fun, and the audience loved it. From powerful, emotion-charged songs relevant to these times like “Anthem” from “Chess” and “What would I do without my music” to uplifting songs like “World in Union” and “You’ll never walk alone” we absolutely belted it out. From tissues at the start to people standing, singing and clapping at the end. It was truly a magical evening celebrating the wonder, the power and the joy of song. I feel privileged to have been part of it. |
2021 Concert Reviews
Churchdown MVC in Concert for Alzheimer's Society
at St. Barnabas Church, Gloucester.
at St. Barnabas Church, Gloucester.
SINGING AT SHRINE TO CYPRUS SAINT
by John Basford
by John Basford
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On Friday 22nd of October we performed our third concert in a busy, but rewarding, month. We were in the Stroud Road, Gloucester, at the church of St Barnabas, the patron saint of Cyprus. He became a missionary on the island, and is frequently depicted carrying an olive branch. Either he loved olives, or he was a man of peace. As a disciple at the time of Christ, he came close to being one of the 12 apostles. You could say, in soccer terms, he was on the subs bench. Some 70 music lovers were entertained for a mellifluous evening with 30 members of the Churchdown Male Voice Choir, ably led by MD Ralph Barnes, and accompanied by James Quinn on piano and organ. The music ranged from operatic, modern, liturgical, spiritual and a few choir favourites such as ‘American Trilogy’. Our compère for the evening was tenor, Steve Tidcombe, and what a brilliant job he made of it. The evening was in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society, a jolly good cause. James kicked off on the organ with Elgar’s ‘Nimrod’. The choir then opened the concert with a rousing choir rendition of ‘Anthem’ from Chess, followed by ‘Portrait of My Love’, ‘Can You Feel the Love Tonight’ and ‘Llanfair’. All were then treated to soloist Jeff Bourton, who included the lovely ‘Autumn Leaves’ in his set, accompanied by James Quinn. Fun followed in the form of ‘When the Saints Go Marching In’. |
However, some of us unfortunately suffered a loss of memory, but not due to Alzheimer’s, during ‘The Prayer’, in particular the Italian sections! Hopefully we were forgiven as we retrieved the situation with a sterling performance of ‘Mansions of the Lord’ and then ‘American Trilogy’, which probably roused the whole of Tuffley.
After the interval the choir gave confident renditions of ‘The Lord’s my Shepherd’, ‘Bridge over Troubled Water’, ‘Working Man’ and ‘World in Union’ – the last two pieces including stunning solos from Mike Vickers and Jeff Bourton.
Ralph then turned to face the audience, and demonstrated how it should be done, by treating us to the second solo performance of the night. His delivery of Javert’s song ‘Stars’ from Les Miserables was worthy of the London stage.
The choir concluded the evening with ‘Unchained Melody’, ‘And So it Goes’, ‘Amen’ and ‘Nessun Dorma’, as well as rousing encore of ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ which possibly inspired Liverpool FC to beat Manchester United 5-0 at Old Trafford that same weekend. Who knows!
The meaning of the French word encore is ‘additional performance of an item at the end of a concert’. However, on this occasion we had an encore to the encore, an organ recital by James, which it has to be said was ‘different’.
We were delighted to hear a lot of money had been raised for an able and worthy cause. Over £600 came from ticket and programme sales, with the retiring collection still to be counted. Moreover, it was a very enjoyable evening, as comments from our audience members confirmed.
After the interval the choir gave confident renditions of ‘The Lord’s my Shepherd’, ‘Bridge over Troubled Water’, ‘Working Man’ and ‘World in Union’ – the last two pieces including stunning solos from Mike Vickers and Jeff Bourton.
Ralph then turned to face the audience, and demonstrated how it should be done, by treating us to the second solo performance of the night. His delivery of Javert’s song ‘Stars’ from Les Miserables was worthy of the London stage.
The choir concluded the evening with ‘Unchained Melody’, ‘And So it Goes’, ‘Amen’ and ‘Nessun Dorma’, as well as rousing encore of ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ which possibly inspired Liverpool FC to beat Manchester United 5-0 at Old Trafford that same weekend. Who knows!
The meaning of the French word encore is ‘additional performance of an item at the end of a concert’. However, on this occasion we had an encore to the encore, an organ recital by James, which it has to be said was ‘different’.
We were delighted to hear a lot of money had been raised for an able and worthy cause. Over £600 came from ticket and programme sales, with the retiring collection still to be counted. Moreover, it was a very enjoyable evening, as comments from our audience members confirmed.
Churchdown, Hereford Police and Worcester MVCs
at Tewkesbury Abbey.
at Tewkesbury Abbey.
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TEWKESBURY TRIUMPH
by David Hier 
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After many months of lockdown, and anticipation, the Churchdown Male Voice Choir finally took part in a major concert on October 2nd in the beautiful Tewkesbury Abbey. It had proved difficult for the choir, seeing as they had not had much time for rehearsals following the easing of Covid 19 restrictions. Some singing had been done, amidst much laughter, on Zoom. However, the chorus eventually got there under the baton of Ralph Barnes, and the keyboard skills of James Quinn.
On this occasion the CMVC were performing with two other choirs, namely Worcester Male Voice Choir and Hereford Police Choir, altogether about a hundred choristers. In addition the singers had the rare accompaniment of a brass quintet for some of the songs. So that the respective musical directors, and musicians, could check out the venue a rehearsal was held on the Saturday afternoon. Then the evening kicked off in a traditional manner with ‘God Save The Queen’. It was evident from that moment that this concert was going to be something special, and believe me it was. Although our Churchdown chorus, with 26 singers, was smaller in number compared to the other choirs, their performance was outstanding, particularly Puccini’s ‘Nessun Dorma’, ’My Heart will Go On’ from the film Titanic, and Sir Arthur Sullivan’s ‘The Lost Chord’. |
When the joint pieces, such as ‘American Trilogy’ and ‘World In Union’ were sung with the other two choirs some were accompanied by the beautiful Curzon Brass Quintet, which so enhanced the songs it lifted the hair on the back of your neck. These talented young professionals also treated our audience to a set of six numbers in the first half, including Stevie Wonder’s ‘Isn’t She Lovely’, and an arrangement of the Elvis number, ‘Can’t Help Falling In Love’.
The evening ended with an encore of ‘When The Saints Go Marching In’ and nobody wanted it to finish, but with choirs it doesn’t because they met up later in the Tewkesbury YMCA and sang their hearts out until the venue closed. That’s what it’s all about, ’having fun’ and helping fund good causes. The final figure raised for the Midlands Air Ambulance is not yet known, but we can be proud of our ticket sales, amounting to £1,186.
Quotable, but possibly biased, quotes:
MD Ralph Barnes: “You were brilliant! It is great we are back in action”
Accompanist James Quinn’s Mum: “You were the best choir, particularly your diction and dynamics.”
Alex Chalke MP: “I was sorry I had to leave at half time, but I heard the rest of the concert was very good.”
Worcester Male Voice Choir Member: “You open your mouths wider than most.”
Male audience member: “Your ‘Lost Chord’ was the highlight of the evening for me.”
The evening ended with an encore of ‘When The Saints Go Marching In’ and nobody wanted it to finish, but with choirs it doesn’t because they met up later in the Tewkesbury YMCA and sang their hearts out until the venue closed. That’s what it’s all about, ’having fun’ and helping fund good causes. The final figure raised for the Midlands Air Ambulance is not yet known, but we can be proud of our ticket sales, amounting to £1,186.
Quotable, but possibly biased, quotes:
MD Ralph Barnes: “You were brilliant! It is great we are back in action”
Accompanist James Quinn’s Mum: “You were the best choir, particularly your diction and dynamics.”
Alex Chalke MP: “I was sorry I had to leave at half time, but I heard the rest of the concert was very good.”
Worcester Male Voice Choir Member: “You open your mouths wider than most.”
Male audience member: “Your ‘Lost Chord’ was the highlight of the evening for me.”
Full Concert Programme
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A joint concert with Dursley MVC
St Stephen's Church, Tivoli, Cheltenham
St Stephen's Church, Tivoli, Cheltenham
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ORGAN MALFUNCTION FOR ACCOMPANIST
by John Friend 
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Right from the moment the young clergyman welcomed us to St Stephen’s in the Tivoli area of Cheltenham, to the time our compère, Steve Tidcomb, closed the concert, it was an enjoyable evening. We didn’t sell a large number of tickets, and it is obvious many people are still reluctant to come out and risk mixing as yet. However, those who did were delighted just to be back experiencing a live performance. The compliments were flying between audience and singers in the building at the end, and continued out into the surrounding roads as satisfied folks made their way home. Anyone listening to the joint choir rehearsal earlier in the day would have realised a few problems had to be overcome. Sight lines to the conductor, limited seating in the choir stalls for lots of large men, and a piano that hadn’t been tuned to concert pitch, were all part of the challenge. As singers we realised something was not right when the organ was supposed to take over from the piano part way through one of the joint numbers. Cries of “No!” “Stop!” and other appropriate phrases echoed around the church. Needless to say compromises were made, and it was ‘alright on the night’. Our guests, Dursley Male Voice Choir, resplendent in burgundy blazers and matching bow ties, opened the show with four numbers having a ‘dream’ theme. The chorus ended their set with ‘The Impossible Dream’ from Man Of La Mancha, |
arranged for them by Musical Director, Barrie Cooper. On piano was their other MD, Matthew Sharp. Both are well known in the area for their musical activities with schools, choral groups and churches.
We followed with a group of five numbers under the baton of our MD, Ralph Barnes, starting with ‘Anthem’ from Chess, and building to a climax before the interval with ‘World In Union’, featuring a solo from Jeff Bourton.
At this point refreshments were available, with cash donations requested towards church funds, the whole evening being devoted to raising money to help preserve the splendid building that was acting as our theatre for the night.
After the break we completed our second set with Mike Vickers taking the solo line in ‘Working Man’ by Rita MacNeil, and ending with Puccini’s ‘Nessun Dorma’ from Turandot. On heading back to the choir stalls we changed places with our Dursley friends, who gave us another lovely quartet of songs, including a refreshing Barrie Cooper arrangement of ‘Over The Rainbow’.
Finally the two choirs got together in something resembling a ‘flash mob’ to perform ‘When The Saints’, ‘Speed Your Journey’ and ‘American Trilogy’. We should have segued neatly into a grand finale with ‘Morte Criste’, accompanied by James Quinn on the organ. However, it was at this point the gremlins struck. It was not just a case of the lost chord, which Sir Arthur Sullivan might have appreciated. James was actually missing every note he was hoping to play. As he left his seat and disappeared into the mix of pipes above him, a patient audience, a frustrated MD and a nervous compère all waited. After what seemed an age he emerged, adjusted his mirror, that seemed to have fallen off in sympathy, and we finished our advertised programme.
As an encore we delivered ‘Gwahoddiad’ in Welsh, before heading for an afterglow at the Tivoli a few streets away. At this popular watering hole an impromptu performance seemed to impress the locals, and rounded off a very satisfying evening.
We followed with a group of five numbers under the baton of our MD, Ralph Barnes, starting with ‘Anthem’ from Chess, and building to a climax before the interval with ‘World In Union’, featuring a solo from Jeff Bourton.
At this point refreshments were available, with cash donations requested towards church funds, the whole evening being devoted to raising money to help preserve the splendid building that was acting as our theatre for the night.
After the break we completed our second set with Mike Vickers taking the solo line in ‘Working Man’ by Rita MacNeil, and ending with Puccini’s ‘Nessun Dorma’ from Turandot. On heading back to the choir stalls we changed places with our Dursley friends, who gave us another lovely quartet of songs, including a refreshing Barrie Cooper arrangement of ‘Over The Rainbow’.
Finally the two choirs got together in something resembling a ‘flash mob’ to perform ‘When The Saints’, ‘Speed Your Journey’ and ‘American Trilogy’. We should have segued neatly into a grand finale with ‘Morte Criste’, accompanied by James Quinn on the organ. However, it was at this point the gremlins struck. It was not just a case of the lost chord, which Sir Arthur Sullivan might have appreciated. James was actually missing every note he was hoping to play. As he left his seat and disappeared into the mix of pipes above him, a patient audience, a frustrated MD and a nervous compère all waited. After what seemed an age he emerged, adjusted his mirror, that seemed to have fallen off in sympathy, and we finished our advertised programme.
As an encore we delivered ‘Gwahoddiad’ in Welsh, before heading for an afterglow at the Tivoli a few streets away. At this popular watering hole an impromptu performance seemed to impress the locals, and rounded off a very satisfying evening.
2020 - As a Result of Covid 19, no concerts we performed during 2020
2019 Concert Reviews
Churchdown MVC's Concert at Christmas
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TRIUMPHANT TRIPLE TREAT
by John Friend and Greg Owen 
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Was it a Christmas Concert, or a heavily disguised fitness class? Over 500 people had to decide as they formed our audience over three nights in the Churchdown Community Centre. Singing is a very healthy pastime, and we encouraged everyone to join us in a number of carols. However, the aerobics came in ‘The Twelve Days Of Christmas’ as people rose from their seats when their birthday month corresponded to the day mentioned. For instance, on the sixth, all the June babies stood up, before sitting down again in readiness for the next mention of “geese a laying”. This partly offset the sausage rolls and mince pies we fed them in the interval.
Apart from the exercise, we provided a good mix of musical numbers. Everything from a small group, rivalling Steeleye Span, by singing the medieval ‘Gaudete’ unaccompanied and in Latin, to a Peter Kay inspired ‘Is This The Way To Amarillo’. Our medley of songs from Lional Bart’s Oliver was very well received as was the rugby anthem ‘World In Union’, and of course our rendition of ‘Nessun Dorma’. All of which elicited whoops, cheers, whistles, and standing ovations. According to a couple in the hall we knocked spots off the Treorchy Male Voice Choir who they heard in Cheltenham recently. Even our new outfits got a favourable reception, especially when it was discovered we created the Windsor knots in our ties, and didn’t rely on the usual clip-ons. |
Then we had some superb soloists. There was MD, Ralph Barnes, who duetted with Jeff Bourton in their respective individual slots. Playing David Bowie and Bing Crosby parts they gave us the Little Drummer Boy/Peace On Earth combination of these two great artists. As an added bonus to the printed programme a delightful lady pupil from Ribston Hall School in Gloucester performed ‘Once Upon A Dream’ from the musical Jekyll And Hyde.
Members of the audience commented that our new style Christmas concert with a mix of Christmas music, the most loved music sung during the year, and audience participation was a real hit, commenting that it was our best Christmas concert ever. They were also impressed with the change of lighting arrangements, with lights on the choir and the hall lights dimmed. We will develop this further for future concerts.
As this Christmas event attracts a lot of local support it can be used to showcase the choir’s abilities and to help us recruit members, and it was suggested that some men listening might like to give us a try. Our Chairman, Roger Higgs, introduced a recent batch of new men experiencing their first Christmas concert. One writes poems in his spare time and was given a chance to regale us with a couple. On the second night he came up with a brand-new ode to Churchdown Male Voice Choir that impressed the choir and audience alike. Long service to the choir is always rewarded, and one 20-year and three 40-year awards were handed out over the course of the event.
Past members like to come back and support us, and so we had couples down from Nottingham, across from Abergavenny and out of the Forest of Dean.
It should be remembered these evening entertainments don’t just happen. Our hard-working committee plans way ahead, but various individuals and teams are also involved. Colin Acton runs our Box Office, while his wife, Janet, organises the catering. Raffles are masterminded by Mike Lander, with ladies to sell the tickets, and control entry to the venue. Rostra have to be assembled and chairs put out for choir and audience. This year special chorus lighting was rigged by Greg Owen, so we didn’t need the house lights on all the time. Finally, each night, we are reliant on our MD, supported by accompanist James Quinn and compère Mike St John Green. All deserve our grateful thanks for their efforts.
Members of the audience commented that our new style Christmas concert with a mix of Christmas music, the most loved music sung during the year, and audience participation was a real hit, commenting that it was our best Christmas concert ever. They were also impressed with the change of lighting arrangements, with lights on the choir and the hall lights dimmed. We will develop this further for future concerts.
As this Christmas event attracts a lot of local support it can be used to showcase the choir’s abilities and to help us recruit members, and it was suggested that some men listening might like to give us a try. Our Chairman, Roger Higgs, introduced a recent batch of new men experiencing their first Christmas concert. One writes poems in his spare time and was given a chance to regale us with a couple. On the second night he came up with a brand-new ode to Churchdown Male Voice Choir that impressed the choir and audience alike. Long service to the choir is always rewarded, and one 20-year and three 40-year awards were handed out over the course of the event.
Past members like to come back and support us, and so we had couples down from Nottingham, across from Abergavenny and out of the Forest of Dean.
It should be remembered these evening entertainments don’t just happen. Our hard-working committee plans way ahead, but various individuals and teams are also involved. Colin Acton runs our Box Office, while his wife, Janet, organises the catering. Raffles are masterminded by Mike Lander, with ladies to sell the tickets, and control entry to the venue. Rostra have to be assembled and chairs put out for choir and audience. This year special chorus lighting was rigged by Greg Owen, so we didn’t need the house lights on all the time. Finally, each night, we are reliant on our MD, supported by accompanist James Quinn and compère Mike St John Green. All deserve our grateful thanks for their efforts.
Churchdown MVC Tour to St. Ives - October 2019
Concerts with Truro City Male Choir and Penzance Orpheus Ladies Choir
Concerts with Truro City Male Choir and Penzance Orpheus Ladies Choir
A CAPPELLA AND ALFRESCO AT MARAZION
by Ann Wilson, Greg Owen and John Friend
by Ann Wilson, Greg Owen and John Friend
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What better way to end a Cornish trip than singing, unaccompanied, on a beach with St Michael’s Mount as a stunning back-drop. It more than made up for not performing that final Sunday morning at the Minack Theatre. The location was deemed too physically demanding for us to safely access the stage area.
The rest of the weekend also exceeded expectations with MD, Ralph Barnes, claiming it was the best tour he had been on. Two excellent concerts with local competition level choruses took place in church venues with superb acoustics. Our first was on Friday in Falmouth with the City of Truro Male Voice Choir. We enjoyed their rendition of ‘What A Wonderful World’, and interesting arrangements of ‘You Raise Me Up’ and ‘My Love Is Like A Red, Red Rose’, as well as their a cappella version of ‘Steal Away’. Beatles fans would have appreciated a medley of the Fab Four’s hits, which included ‘She Loves You’ and ‘Yesterday’. Unfortunately a few numbers disappointed, including one sung in French. The following day we joined the Penzance Ladies Orpheus Choir at St Mary’s and finally realised we were in a different region as we listened to their MD announcing the songs in a full Cornish accent. They sang a variety of numbers including an unforgettable showpiece called ‘Somewhere Above The Clouds’ which encouraged everyone to “listen with our soul to the angels song”. Other items in the first half were ‘Rise’, ‘Credo’, ‘May It Be’ and ‘How Can I Stop Singing My Song’ which was performed in parts and rounds. Then the audience joined in “Love Divine All Loves Excelling’ during the break. The ladies’ second set contained stage and film tunes with ‘Hail Holy Queen’ from Sister Act, ‘Till There Was You’ from The Music Man, and ‘At Last’ from Sun Valley Serenade. They finished with ‘Royal Hudson’, a folk song about a Canadian engine granted that name after it pulled a train with King George VI and Queen Elizabeth from Quebec to Vancouver in 1939. The combined choirs then delivered an English version of the old Welsh song ‘Gwahoddiad’, and all sang with soprano, Sue Black, in ‘Morte Criste’ including audience members who knew the number, which was brought to a fitting finale with James Quinn on the organ. But how did we come across to our Cornish audiences? Soprano, Sue Black, hit the high notes in her solo slots, and when performing the finale of Act II from The Force of Destiny’by Giuseppe Verdi. She also raised many smiles by flirting with the Churchdown men whilst singing ‘On My Lips Every Kiss Is Like Wine’ from Franz Lehar’s operetta Giuditta. Highlights included our opening with ‘Anthem’ from Chess and ‘Is This The Way To Amarillo’, for as well as clapping throughout the number we had raucous applause at the end. ‘Nessun Dorma’, from Tourandot, even earned a few hoorays. Both concerts were followed by generous amounts of food, and thirst quenching beverages, at the respective afterglows.The St Ives hotel was praised, in spite of some rather unusual meal times, and narrow entry gates that put the wind up the singers, if not our extremely proficient coach drivers. |
Everyone played their part and, on returning to Gloucestershire, Ralph thanked the committee and choir for all the hard work, with a particular mention for James Quinn who shouldered the responsibility of accompanying the wide range of musical numbers. However, the largest debt of gratitude was owed to our Secretary, Ian Blowers, for masterminding the entire operation.
[Videos recordings of Churchdown's performance with Penzance Orpheus Ladies Choir can be viewed by choir members on the 'Choir Performances' page.]
[Videos recordings of Churchdown's performance with Penzance Orpheus Ladies Choir can be viewed by choir members on the 'Choir Performances' page.]
Sue Ryder Care, Leckhampton
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A Wonderful Evening with The Cotswold Soprano
By David and Ann Wilson, and Greg Owen One of the huge bonuses of being a member of the Churchdown Male Voice choir is the privilege we have of singing at some wonderful venues. A week ago, we experienced being in the Lady’s Chapel at Gloucester Cathedral and this Saturday we were able to support the Sue Ryder Hospice and sing in the 17th century St. Peter’s Church at Leckhampton. After parking their cars, 35 choristers, made their way in the fading sunshine up the pathways into the church. What a beautiful setting, we had the feeling 'it was going to be a wonderful evening – and it was! Once again, the church acoustics, enhanced the singing of the choir and, as one member of the audience mentioned, the dynamics were excellent and the ‘t’s’ and the ‘d’s’ at the end of appropriate words, made the lyrics clear and the songs much more enjoyable and understandable – Take a bow! - Music Committee and MD. The design of the programme, with its four songs ‘sandwich’, was much appreciated with special numbers such as ‘The Prayer’, ‘American Trilogy’, ‘World in Union’ (on its first outing) and ‘Nessun Dorma’, were enjoyed by both the audience and the choir members alike. |
Bringing a little ‘Italian’ singing within a couple of songs, has certainly moved the choir’s repertoire ‘up a notch’ and the coaching and direction is beginning to take effect.
Spaced gracefully between the first two groups of songs, the interval and the second two groups afterwards, the audience and the members of the choir were privileged to listen to the wonderful singing voice of Becks Grant-Jones – The Cotswold Soprano.
Her beautiful voice was unbelievable and at times, I’m sure many of us present must have wondered how far up the scale Becks would reach. It was wonderful! Becks thrilled us with her exceptional renditions of ‘Summertime’ from Porgy & Bess by Gershwin then ‘Hello! Oh Margaret it’s you’ from The Telephone by Menotti, followed in the second half by ‘Never Enough’ from The Greatest Showman by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, and ‘Glitter and Be Gay’ from Candide by Leonard Bernstein.
At the conclusion of her second group of songs and the long applause had finished, Becks asked if she could sing ‘just one more song’? It was a bit of extra fun, as Ralph Barnes loudly answered in a loud voice – ‘another one’! The audience wanted more and of course Ralph agreed, but added that he would like to sing with her. They performed the famous song – The Phantom of the
Opera from the show of the same name. Becks as Christine and Ralph as the Phantom (Minus the face mask). They sang and acted this beautiful song so professionally; it was just like being at Her Majesty’s Theatre in London.
Other soloists, Ian Blowers (Working Man) and Jeff Bourton (World in Union and Swing Low, Sweet
Chariot) were on top form. The audience was invited to stand and join the choir in the singing of
Jerusalem.
As an encore, the choir ‘brought the house down’, singing Morte Criste, with Becks singing the third verse supported by the soft Oooing! of the choir. It was truly a night to remember. The audience clearly had a thoroughly enjoyable evening. Here are some of their comments:
"The concert was a real joy, with a varied programme and an excellent soloist."
“I enjoyed it so much, loved it.”
“Very good, thoroughly enjoyed it, the solo parts were so good, nice surprise of The Phantom of the Opera.”
“The choice of music was ideal for the occasion.”
“Blissful, elating, rousing, I’m going home feeling ten times better than when I came."
“Brilliant, lovely mixture of music, and that young girl [Becks that is] was stunning”.
And from Becks, “I loved it, I hope you’ll have me back. I rolled out my big showstoppers there, so I don’t know what I can bring to the Party next time”.
A great time was had by all, which the choir continued in the bar at The Cheese Rollers.
Spaced gracefully between the first two groups of songs, the interval and the second two groups afterwards, the audience and the members of the choir were privileged to listen to the wonderful singing voice of Becks Grant-Jones – The Cotswold Soprano.
Her beautiful voice was unbelievable and at times, I’m sure many of us present must have wondered how far up the scale Becks would reach. It was wonderful! Becks thrilled us with her exceptional renditions of ‘Summertime’ from Porgy & Bess by Gershwin then ‘Hello! Oh Margaret it’s you’ from The Telephone by Menotti, followed in the second half by ‘Never Enough’ from The Greatest Showman by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, and ‘Glitter and Be Gay’ from Candide by Leonard Bernstein.
At the conclusion of her second group of songs and the long applause had finished, Becks asked if she could sing ‘just one more song’? It was a bit of extra fun, as Ralph Barnes loudly answered in a loud voice – ‘another one’! The audience wanted more and of course Ralph agreed, but added that he would like to sing with her. They performed the famous song – The Phantom of the
Opera from the show of the same name. Becks as Christine and Ralph as the Phantom (Minus the face mask). They sang and acted this beautiful song so professionally; it was just like being at Her Majesty’s Theatre in London.
Other soloists, Ian Blowers (Working Man) and Jeff Bourton (World in Union and Swing Low, Sweet
Chariot) were on top form. The audience was invited to stand and join the choir in the singing of
Jerusalem.
As an encore, the choir ‘brought the house down’, singing Morte Criste, with Becks singing the third verse supported by the soft Oooing! of the choir. It was truly a night to remember. The audience clearly had a thoroughly enjoyable evening. Here are some of their comments:
"The concert was a real joy, with a varied programme and an excellent soloist."
“I enjoyed it so much, loved it.”
“Very good, thoroughly enjoyed it, the solo parts were so good, nice surprise of The Phantom of the Opera.”
“The choice of music was ideal for the occasion.”
“Blissful, elating, rousing, I’m going home feeling ten times better than when I came."
“Brilliant, lovely mixture of music, and that young girl [Becks that is] was stunning”.
And from Becks, “I loved it, I hope you’ll have me back. I rolled out my big showstoppers there, so I don’t know what I can bring to the Party next time”.
A great time was had by all, which the choir continued in the bar at The Cheese Rollers.
National Health Service Blood and Transplant Service; Thanksgiving Service
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ECHOS OF REMEMBRANCE FOR THOSE WHO SAVED THE LIVES OF OTHERS
by Greg Owen It was the turn of Gloucester to host the Service of Remembrance for organ donors from the South West. The beautiful Lady Chapel of Gloucester Cathedral was chosen as the venue for the service. The choir found the acoustics of the chapel amazing, helping them to be at their very best while singing the carefully selected programme of music. The choir and congregation found the whole event very moving, and many a tear was shed by both. These are a few of the comments made following the service: "What a tremendous programme of singing you produced yesterday at the Cathedral. The event was quite inspirational and I would like you to thank all the choir members for their efforts, especially Ralph and James." " ... the programme you arranged for Saturday’s event was really wonderful and the choir truly made the Thanksgiving Service even more special. I know it will have meant so much to the families who attended that the members of the choir gave their time to support the event, so could I ask you to pass on our thanks to them." [Writing of a family member] " ... today the wonderful male voice choir sang songs I remember you singing and I felt your presence. It gave me great joy knowing you were with me in spirit". "This year top class" Every choir member felt so proud and honoured to part of this event. |
Three Choirs Festival Performance, Precincts of Gloucester Cathedral
Photograph courtesy of John Basford
WIND, WASPS AND WILD SOUND by John Friend
Having accepted a late invitation to perform as a ‘fringe’ event at the Three Choirs Festival we duly arrived in Gloucester on Sunday 28 July. It was quite a mountaineering feat to climb onto the stone circle that was our stage in the cathedral precincts. Some members opted to stay at ground level even though they forfeited the cover an awning provided.
The plan was to present a wide variety of songs to our audience in an hour. So after a short warm-up we started off with ‘Anthem’ at 1pm to the sounds of the cathedral clock. Then someone thought it would be a good idea to activate the musical bells in the tower before getting another choir to rehearse in the building. However, we bravely battled all these wild sounds, brushed off the wasps, stood firm against a strong breeze and attracted a good crowd.
In fact our audience, made up of all ages from infants to grandparents was pretty loyal. A number stayed for the whole time as we gave them 14 songs introduced by MD, Ralph Barnes, and accompanied by James Quinn on the electric keyboard. We showcased everything from male voice choir standards such as ‘Cwm Rhondda’ to show tunes like ‘Love Changes Everything’, and film music with ‘My Heart Will Go On’. Some listeners moved away after recording us on smart phones and tablets, and applauding what they heard. The best received numbers were those such as ‘Is This The Way To Amarillo’ and ‘Amen’ where everyone was encouraged to join in by clapping along.
It was a brilliant outdoor experience, and we hope it will attract more men to come and sing with us, and a wider audience to support our future concerts.
Having accepted a late invitation to perform as a ‘fringe’ event at the Three Choirs Festival we duly arrived in Gloucester on Sunday 28 July. It was quite a mountaineering feat to climb onto the stone circle that was our stage in the cathedral precincts. Some members opted to stay at ground level even though they forfeited the cover an awning provided.
The plan was to present a wide variety of songs to our audience in an hour. So after a short warm-up we started off with ‘Anthem’ at 1pm to the sounds of the cathedral clock. Then someone thought it would be a good idea to activate the musical bells in the tower before getting another choir to rehearse in the building. However, we bravely battled all these wild sounds, brushed off the wasps, stood firm against a strong breeze and attracted a good crowd.
In fact our audience, made up of all ages from infants to grandparents was pretty loyal. A number stayed for the whole time as we gave them 14 songs introduced by MD, Ralph Barnes, and accompanied by James Quinn on the electric keyboard. We showcased everything from male voice choir standards such as ‘Cwm Rhondda’ to show tunes like ‘Love Changes Everything’, and film music with ‘My Heart Will Go On’. Some listeners moved away after recording us on smart phones and tablets, and applauding what they heard. The best received numbers were those such as ‘Is This The Way To Amarillo’ and ‘Amen’ where everyone was encouraged to join in by clapping along.
It was a brilliant outdoor experience, and we hope it will attract more men to come and sing with us, and a wider audience to support our future concerts.
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MUSIC FOR A MODERN, MINIMALIST MISSION
by John Friend The mercury was rising, the choir was perspiring and the audience was red hot. Our soloists were on fire as well. It was a night to remember for all involved. What a reception we got, from the opening welcome to the closing remarks, on this very warm Friday evening in late June. Some of us had parked in an adjacent supermarket, other cars were left at a community centre, and a few made it into a space alongside this modern building. Built in 1995, Christchurch sprung up in the Abbeydale area of Gloucester just 22 years after a pair of properties had been bought on a new housing estate to serve as a temporary place of worship. Money from the sale of this first venture paid for a Community Centre in 1985 that encompassed two rooms for religious purposes. Now this latest incarnation is designed to be multi-purpose to better serve the local population, and volunteers carry out routine maintenance during a ‘Workweek’ each August. We were invited to give a concert to raise funds for any building activity commissioned by the property stewards. As a new minister arrives on 27 July, no decision will be taken on how the money is spent until there is a chance to discuss the options with him. However, it is understood new external doors are a priority, as the original ones need replacing. |
After a short singing session to test the acoustics the ticket holders were allowed in, and following a brief introduction from one of our hosts, the concert got underway.
Compère, Martin St John-Green introduced us, and the first four numbers, and touched on our attempt to sing some Italian in two songs. Wedged into a section of the octagonal building it was difficult to hear the other harmony parts but it didn’t appear to diminish the audience response. In fact our MD, Ralph Barnes, thought we coped well, and selected two numbers in this set for special praise. ‘The Lord’s My Shepherd’ was “really, really good” and ‘The Prayer’ was “excellent”, he told us at our next rehearsal.
Soloist Jeff Bourton then treated us to ‘You Were Always On My Mind’, an Elvis number, and reminded everyone that this great artist died 42 years ago at the age of 42. Next he plugged the new Danny Boyle directed film, Yesterday, with a rendition of the title song.
Our second set comprised five songs, and by this time we had adjusted to our environment. Ralph felt our soft singing was superb, diction good and breathing more controlled. Nevertheless it was a relief to arrive at the interval, take on some much needed liquid, and venture outside for a breath of slightly cooler air. It was also a good time to consult our audience members. They were happy, and showered us with compliments. It wasn’t too loud for them, and one hard-of-hearing lady at the back confirmed she could follow the words perfectly. Several were going to visit our website in order to find out where and when they could listen to us again. Although there were not many men present, two confessed they wanted to join in with Cwm Rhondda, but felt we wouldn’t appreciate their contribution. One said, “We loved the part singing. You don’t get enough of that these days.”
After the break we did our chorus tribute to Elvis with “American Trilogy”. Then ‘The Rose’ was followed by out two duettists, Greg Owen and John Veits acquitting themselves well in ‘You Raise Me Up’ before we closed the session with ‘Unchained Melody’. That left the floor free for Ralph Barnes to tilt at a few windmills as he sang ‘The Impossible Dream’ from Man Of La Mancha. Converting from singer into actor, Ralph led the audience expertly into ‘Maria’ from West Side Story, and was well rewarded for his beautiful rendition of this classic Bernstein number.
Four more choir numbers followed, climaxing in ‘Nessun Dorma’. At which point the Church Secretary, Chris Pearce, gave his thanks to all involved. “Fantastic, a tremendous treat”, he said. Then, picking up on the ‘love’ theme running through the wide range of numbers, called it a “great evening.” In response voices were raised, including some in the paying seats, in ‘Amen’, a fitting conclusion to a night when superlatives were flying around. Even James, ‘The Mighty Quinn’, our excellent accompanist, received his rowdy tribute before the vocalists headed to a nearby Community Centre for a well-deserved after-glow. As you can imagine the singing continued in our new venue, and although some of the locals joined in we don’t think we have persuaded them to make this permanent. If you are reading this, gentlemen, the invitation still stands. Come and find us on a Monday night at 7.30pm in the Churchdown Community Centre.
To cap it all a message came from the organisers saying the evening was “beautiful and uplifting. Everyone left with a smile on their face.” Moreover, the net gain from ticket and programme sales amounted to over £455.
Compère, Martin St John-Green introduced us, and the first four numbers, and touched on our attempt to sing some Italian in two songs. Wedged into a section of the octagonal building it was difficult to hear the other harmony parts but it didn’t appear to diminish the audience response. In fact our MD, Ralph Barnes, thought we coped well, and selected two numbers in this set for special praise. ‘The Lord’s My Shepherd’ was “really, really good” and ‘The Prayer’ was “excellent”, he told us at our next rehearsal.
Soloist Jeff Bourton then treated us to ‘You Were Always On My Mind’, an Elvis number, and reminded everyone that this great artist died 42 years ago at the age of 42. Next he plugged the new Danny Boyle directed film, Yesterday, with a rendition of the title song.
Our second set comprised five songs, and by this time we had adjusted to our environment. Ralph felt our soft singing was superb, diction good and breathing more controlled. Nevertheless it was a relief to arrive at the interval, take on some much needed liquid, and venture outside for a breath of slightly cooler air. It was also a good time to consult our audience members. They were happy, and showered us with compliments. It wasn’t too loud for them, and one hard-of-hearing lady at the back confirmed she could follow the words perfectly. Several were going to visit our website in order to find out where and when they could listen to us again. Although there were not many men present, two confessed they wanted to join in with Cwm Rhondda, but felt we wouldn’t appreciate their contribution. One said, “We loved the part singing. You don’t get enough of that these days.”
After the break we did our chorus tribute to Elvis with “American Trilogy”. Then ‘The Rose’ was followed by out two duettists, Greg Owen and John Veits acquitting themselves well in ‘You Raise Me Up’ before we closed the session with ‘Unchained Melody’. That left the floor free for Ralph Barnes to tilt at a few windmills as he sang ‘The Impossible Dream’ from Man Of La Mancha. Converting from singer into actor, Ralph led the audience expertly into ‘Maria’ from West Side Story, and was well rewarded for his beautiful rendition of this classic Bernstein number.
Four more choir numbers followed, climaxing in ‘Nessun Dorma’. At which point the Church Secretary, Chris Pearce, gave his thanks to all involved. “Fantastic, a tremendous treat”, he said. Then, picking up on the ‘love’ theme running through the wide range of numbers, called it a “great evening.” In response voices were raised, including some in the paying seats, in ‘Amen’, a fitting conclusion to a night when superlatives were flying around. Even James, ‘The Mighty Quinn’, our excellent accompanist, received his rowdy tribute before the vocalists headed to a nearby Community Centre for a well-deserved after-glow. As you can imagine the singing continued in our new venue, and although some of the locals joined in we don’t think we have persuaded them to make this permanent. If you are reading this, gentlemen, the invitation still stands. Come and find us on a Monday night at 7.30pm in the Churchdown Community Centre.
To cap it all a message came from the organisers saying the evening was “beautiful and uplifting. Everyone left with a smile on their face.” Moreover, the net gain from ticket and programme sales amounted to over £455.
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NORTHERN LIGHTS SHINE IN GLOUCESTER
by Ann and David Wilson It was a case of the aurora borealis had arrived in the Cotswolds as our guests from Scandinavia lit up St Barnabas with their singing, having already shone in Berkeley Castle and Tewkesbury Abbey since arriving on Thursday 30 May. Our compère, Mike St John-Green, welcomed the Sandernes Kameratene Male Voice Choir, and even spoke to them in Norwegian, which received a show of appreciation. Their Lithuanian MD, Saulius Trepekunas, thanked him for his kind words and announced that the chorus was now 100 years old. He said they were looking forward to performing with our huge beautiful choir. At this point the capacity audience settled down to enjoy a wonderful selection of songs from two different parts of the world. This ‘cathedral-like’ church on the Stroud Road, with its high walls and long narrow windows was about to witness a very special evening. As hosts we started the entertainment with the rousing ‘Anthem’ from Chess, and followed by the contrasting song ‘My Heart Will Go On’ from the film Titanic. Then came a most suitable number for the occasion, ‘The Lord’s My Shepherd’, beautifully arranged by Stuart Townsend, and well presented |
by the large choir. ‘American Trilogy’, with its climax sounding wonderful in this venue, closed the first section. It was well liked by an audience who showed their enthusiastic appreciation.
James Quinn, the choir’s accompanist, pulled out all the stops at this point as he provided an instrumental break on the organ. There was a gentle sigh as the listeners soon recognised the Bach piece, Toccata and Fugue in D minor, played with great skill and expression. They certainly appreciated his solo part in the musical evening, giving him a stirring round of applause.
Now the two choirs changed places, and the 19 Norwegians stood in an arc in front of the audience before launching into a classical piece called ‘Sangerhilsen’, which sounded like a march, being very bright and jolly. To their credit they sang the next four songs in English. The first one was the madrigal, ‘Now is the month of Maying’. It was like a folksong, and received warm appreciation. Then came an excellent rendition of the well known, ‘Greensleeves’, before the Irish ‘Fields of Athenry’ and finally ‘Be Still My Soul’ from Finlandia. The acoustics of the church made this very special, and the reward was a standing ovation.
After the interval refreshments our Norwegian friends opened the second half of the concert. In introducing ‘Lithuanian Lullaby’, a traditional piece, their Musical Director said what a wonderful audience was in front of him. This was followed by the rousing Viking song ‘Olav Trygvason’, sung in their own language. Then came ‘The Rose’, in English, with every word of this lovely song clearly heard. The last number in the set was a jazzed up version of ‘When My Sugar Walks Down The Street’. It was very enjoyable particularly as the audience were prompted by the MD to join in by clapping. Hands came together again at the end to show appreciation for the choir’s quality and part-singing.
A fine duet, ‘The Pearl Fishers’ by Bizet, was a most ‘professional’ performance by our MD, Ralph Barnes and past member, Malcolm Webb, which gave the choruses a chance for a break. From start to finish this was quite a surprise to many. It was excellent, and a great addition to an evening of wonderful singing.
Churchdown MVC returned with ‘Can You Feel the Love Tonight’ from the film Lion King. It was first class, with distinctive part-singing from all four sections of the choir. ‘You Raise Me Up’ was also a success with the solo part becoming a duet by two members of the choir, top tenor Greg Owen and baritone John Veits. This well known song was much appreciated, and our regular supporters were also ready when their time came to clap in ‘Is This The Way to Amarillo’, always a good toe tapping song. ‘Nessun Dorma’ completed the set to rousing applause. Another crowd pleaser!
Before the choirs combined in the last two pieces Jean Humby, from Art Shape, gave a short talk explaining what the charity did to help people. It works to engage adults facing disabling barriers with the arts. Any proceeds from the concert will go towards a second art group for those living with dementia at the request of, and in collaboration with the Alzheimer’s Society. Harriet West, from that charity, gave a vote of thanks to the choirs, and all who had helped to make this evening such a success.
The final numbers, ‘Speed your Journey’ from Nabucco, and ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ from Carousel were excellent, earning another standing ovation.
But let us give the final say to our audience. Everyone who spoke to us afterwards said what a wonderful evening it had been. Comments like “I felt the hairs on the back of my neck rise up”, and “I felt little tears running down my cheek, it was a very emotional evening”. “A fantastic concert.” The concert raised in excess of £1,000 for Art Shape.
James Quinn, the choir’s accompanist, pulled out all the stops at this point as he provided an instrumental break on the organ. There was a gentle sigh as the listeners soon recognised the Bach piece, Toccata and Fugue in D minor, played with great skill and expression. They certainly appreciated his solo part in the musical evening, giving him a stirring round of applause.
Now the two choirs changed places, and the 19 Norwegians stood in an arc in front of the audience before launching into a classical piece called ‘Sangerhilsen’, which sounded like a march, being very bright and jolly. To their credit they sang the next four songs in English. The first one was the madrigal, ‘Now is the month of Maying’. It was like a folksong, and received warm appreciation. Then came an excellent rendition of the well known, ‘Greensleeves’, before the Irish ‘Fields of Athenry’ and finally ‘Be Still My Soul’ from Finlandia. The acoustics of the church made this very special, and the reward was a standing ovation.
After the interval refreshments our Norwegian friends opened the second half of the concert. In introducing ‘Lithuanian Lullaby’, a traditional piece, their Musical Director said what a wonderful audience was in front of him. This was followed by the rousing Viking song ‘Olav Trygvason’, sung in their own language. Then came ‘The Rose’, in English, with every word of this lovely song clearly heard. The last number in the set was a jazzed up version of ‘When My Sugar Walks Down The Street’. It was very enjoyable particularly as the audience were prompted by the MD to join in by clapping. Hands came together again at the end to show appreciation for the choir’s quality and part-singing.
A fine duet, ‘The Pearl Fishers’ by Bizet, was a most ‘professional’ performance by our MD, Ralph Barnes and past member, Malcolm Webb, which gave the choruses a chance for a break. From start to finish this was quite a surprise to many. It was excellent, and a great addition to an evening of wonderful singing.
Churchdown MVC returned with ‘Can You Feel the Love Tonight’ from the film Lion King. It was first class, with distinctive part-singing from all four sections of the choir. ‘You Raise Me Up’ was also a success with the solo part becoming a duet by two members of the choir, top tenor Greg Owen and baritone John Veits. This well known song was much appreciated, and our regular supporters were also ready when their time came to clap in ‘Is This The Way to Amarillo’, always a good toe tapping song. ‘Nessun Dorma’ completed the set to rousing applause. Another crowd pleaser!
Before the choirs combined in the last two pieces Jean Humby, from Art Shape, gave a short talk explaining what the charity did to help people. It works to engage adults facing disabling barriers with the arts. Any proceeds from the concert will go towards a second art group for those living with dementia at the request of, and in collaboration with the Alzheimer’s Society. Harriet West, from that charity, gave a vote of thanks to the choirs, and all who had helped to make this evening such a success.
The final numbers, ‘Speed your Journey’ from Nabucco, and ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ from Carousel were excellent, earning another standing ovation.
But let us give the final say to our audience. Everyone who spoke to us afterwards said what a wonderful evening it had been. Comments like “I felt the hairs on the back of my neck rise up”, and “I felt little tears running down my cheek, it was a very emotional evening”. “A fantastic concert.” The concert raised in excess of £1,000 for Art Shape.
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HONOURED TO SING IN AID OF MAGGIE'S
For the second consecutive year, we were honoured to be asked to participate in the twenty four hour Sing-a-thon. This year the event was in aid of Maggie's Cancer Care. Thankfully we were performing for an hour during the early evening on Sunday, and the performance was very well received by the audience. In all, the event raised in excess of £1100. As this was not a full concert, the report is limited to this brief summary. |
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GAPS, GAFFES AND GENEROSITY FOR GUIDE DOGS
by John Friend A large enthusiastic audience filled St Andrew’s, Churchdown on the evening of 27 April. We were already in our places as a warm welcome was given to our visitors, Cirencester Male Voice Choir, when the 25 members paraded to their seats. It was then the gaps were noted as Cirencester’s accompanist had to remain at her school for a concert, and one soloist couldn’t avoid piloting a plane to Phoenix. Our losses included some top tenors, and our Secretary. However, everyone else stepped up a gear and we had what visiting MD, Jules Addison, described as a “brilliant night” in a building with very good acoustics. The opening number, ‘Anthem’, involved both choirs, and then we performed our first set. ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ was much applauded, and our audience thought the piano playing “pretty amazing”. This was our own James Quinn who was anchored to his keyboard all night doing a great job. He was immediately into three more showstoppers, ‘Love Changes Everything’, ‘Can You Feel The Love Tonight’ and ‘Bring Him Home’. We then handed over to Cirencester who carried on the Les Miserables theme with ‘Do You Hear The People Sing’ before giving us ‘Maria’ from West Side Story. |
An ambitious attempt at ‘Gwahoddiad’ followed, with only two Welsh speakers in their choir, as the visitors deviated somewhat from the shows and film music theme to finish their set with ‘Morte Christe.’
At this point the gaffes must be mentioned because one partially sighted gentleman in the front row was convinced we had at least two stand-up comedians, and said as much out loud. Well the church had been re-christened St Stephens, the charity was for Blind Dogs, and just before ‘Maria’ the MD had to dash across to the piano and inform James that he doesn’t take the number in the same order it appears in the music. The culprits recovered well, and it all helped the general joviality of the night.
By creating a feel-good factor we hoped to part our listeners from their cash. As it costs £55,000 to provide a four-legged companion to blind and partially sighted people, and up to eight animals may be needed during each person’s lifetime, it is obvious money is vital.
During the evening we saw audio-visual presentations on large monitors in St Andrew’s. The first two featured individuals who had their lives changed for the better by being given a dog. The final one was a black screen, and in the dark we heard the kind of sounds and interactions experienced by the people we were there to help by our contributions, as virtually all the income is from the public. It was harrowing, and it moved some listeners to tears. But, on the positive side, the dogs change their owners lives and give them confidence. Although the blind might have lost their sight they don’t lose their ambition, taking key jobs and travelling in rush hour, running marathons and playing various sports.
Our breakaway group opened up the second half with a Jersey Boys’ medley that gained massive applause, and some cheering. This was followed by our guests transporting us to a Jewish community, in pre-revolution Russia, for ‘If I Were A Rich Man’ from Fiddler On The Roof, which was “liked a lot”. Then treated us to ‘Portrait Of My Love’ and ‘She’ before heading to a South Pacific island to stress the fact ‘There Is Nothing Like A Dame’. Singing about mangoes and bananas reminded the choir of the time they performed at the Eden Project next to these very fruits.
Churchdown took the floor once more with a quartet of songs headed by the Titanic number ‘My Heart Will Go On’. This was “really, really good” according to MD, Ralph Barnes, who, after conducting ‘The Rose’, went on to involve the audience in ‘Show Me The Way To Amarillo’. They loved it, as “he got everyone going” was the praise from one of those clapping along. Finally we tried out our Italian in ‘The Prayer’, featured in the film Quest For Camelot.
During the closing stages Julie Stephens with her guide dog, Heidi, took the microphone and thanked the three key musicians, Ralph, Jules and James, our compere, MikeSt John-Green, and both choirs. She then praised the efforts of the Severn Vale Gloucester Branch of Guide Dogs, in particular Pat and Martin Chopping, Christine and Malcolm Williams, as well as her own husband.
The climax was the two choirs joining for ‘Unchained Melody’ and ‘An American Trilogy’ which sent the audience home happy, buying Jeff Bourton’s CDs, created to raise money for charity by him and Pam Taverner, and throwing coins and notes into buckets on the door. A total of £1,651was achieved by the event, thanks to generous sponsorship by Chase Financial Management in footing the bills.
The singers were equally on a high, and headed for the local Social Club where sausages and chips were waiting. Our Cirencester friends felt it was a really good ‘afterglow’ and said how pleased they were with the camaraderie and hospitality.
At this point the gaffes must be mentioned because one partially sighted gentleman in the front row was convinced we had at least two stand-up comedians, and said as much out loud. Well the church had been re-christened St Stephens, the charity was for Blind Dogs, and just before ‘Maria’ the MD had to dash across to the piano and inform James that he doesn’t take the number in the same order it appears in the music. The culprits recovered well, and it all helped the general joviality of the night.
By creating a feel-good factor we hoped to part our listeners from their cash. As it costs £55,000 to provide a four-legged companion to blind and partially sighted people, and up to eight animals may be needed during each person’s lifetime, it is obvious money is vital.
During the evening we saw audio-visual presentations on large monitors in St Andrew’s. The first two featured individuals who had their lives changed for the better by being given a dog. The final one was a black screen, and in the dark we heard the kind of sounds and interactions experienced by the people we were there to help by our contributions, as virtually all the income is from the public. It was harrowing, and it moved some listeners to tears. But, on the positive side, the dogs change their owners lives and give them confidence. Although the blind might have lost their sight they don’t lose their ambition, taking key jobs and travelling in rush hour, running marathons and playing various sports.
Our breakaway group opened up the second half with a Jersey Boys’ medley that gained massive applause, and some cheering. This was followed by our guests transporting us to a Jewish community, in pre-revolution Russia, for ‘If I Were A Rich Man’ from Fiddler On The Roof, which was “liked a lot”. Then treated us to ‘Portrait Of My Love’ and ‘She’ before heading to a South Pacific island to stress the fact ‘There Is Nothing Like A Dame’. Singing about mangoes and bananas reminded the choir of the time they performed at the Eden Project next to these very fruits.
Churchdown took the floor once more with a quartet of songs headed by the Titanic number ‘My Heart Will Go On’. This was “really, really good” according to MD, Ralph Barnes, who, after conducting ‘The Rose’, went on to involve the audience in ‘Show Me The Way To Amarillo’. They loved it, as “he got everyone going” was the praise from one of those clapping along. Finally we tried out our Italian in ‘The Prayer’, featured in the film Quest For Camelot.
During the closing stages Julie Stephens with her guide dog, Heidi, took the microphone and thanked the three key musicians, Ralph, Jules and James, our compere, MikeSt John-Green, and both choirs. She then praised the efforts of the Severn Vale Gloucester Branch of Guide Dogs, in particular Pat and Martin Chopping, Christine and Malcolm Williams, as well as her own husband.
The climax was the two choirs joining for ‘Unchained Melody’ and ‘An American Trilogy’ which sent the audience home happy, buying Jeff Bourton’s CDs, created to raise money for charity by him and Pam Taverner, and throwing coins and notes into buckets on the door. A total of £1,651was achieved by the event, thanks to generous sponsorship by Chase Financial Management in footing the bills.
The singers were equally on a high, and headed for the local Social Club where sausages and chips were waiting. Our Cirencester friends felt it was a really good ‘afterglow’ and said how pleased they were with the camaraderie and hospitality.
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RAISING A GRAND BY THE CANAL
by John Friend Heading south on the Gloucester and Sharpness canal you come to Frampton-on-Severn. When this waterway was completed in 1827 it was the largest in the country at that time. Arriving by boat today it is easy to come ashore at the 14th century church of St Mary’s. However, our choir discovered it isn’t quite so simple by car. The lanes through this elegant village with its 22-acre village green and rush filled ponds are narrow, and there are very few places to park. Some choir members found themselves a few hundred yards away on the roadside. Having been asked to help raise funds for the church, 29 singers made it safely to the venue and realised it was a delight to perform in this ancient building, consecrated in 1315. It is believed the main door dates from this period. It is oak with the imprint of skins that originally covered it, and the antique lock and enormous key are still in use. Over the porch is an 18th century parvise chamber, no longer accessible, but the parishioners hope to obtain sufficient money to open it up. On spotting a poster outside the building promoting our concert some members wondered about the size of the audience. Would the locals support the event? As it happened there was no need to worry, because it was virtually a full house. |
Ticket-holders filled the main part of the church, and also spilled into the side sections. The acoustics were good, and for most numbers we used our own piano.
There was just enough room for the choir to sit on the raised area before the altar, with a slight platform in front for the MD’s music stand, adorned with a smiling face to stress the need to look happier than usual.
The programme seemed to be appropriate for the occasion, and Mike St John-Green guided the audience through the various items. There were songs from shows mixed with good traditional male voice choir pieces. It was interspersed with two songs each from Jeff Bourton and Ralph Barnes. Both sang beautifully, but Ralph’s rendition of ‘Stars’, the Javert number from Les Miserables, was really excellent. With sixteen numbers from the full choir this seemed right to one observer, as any more solos would have made the concert too long.
‘Tydi A Roddaist’ was performed well on its first outing of the year, and also ‘The Prayer’. All parts of the concert were applauded, the one weak spot being ‘My Heart Will Go On’, but ‘Amen’ got the extra appreciation as usual.
It was considered a delight to sing in the old church and a lot of credit should go to their members for the user-friendly facilities, such as the new toilets and heating system, which poured warmth from under the pews. It had to be turned off in the interval as some in the audience were getting slowly roasted. During this break refreshments were served, including red and white wine, nibbles, Elderflower pressé and water for those not wanting alcohol. This was included in the ticket price of £8, and free to the choir, although donations towards the cost were requested.
As the audience demanded an encore, we duly obliged with ‘Morte Criste’, at which point James switched to the church organ, built in 1866 by JW Walker & Sons. The first person to play it was the great Hubert Parry, knighted in 1898 and made a baronet in 1903. Is this an omen for our own “Mighty Quinn’? It should be noted we received a standing ovation for this rendition – from one little lady!
Following many encouraging comments from the audience on the way out, the choir headed to an afterglow at The Bell Inn at the end of the green, and near the unique cricket ground. Piping hot sausages and chips went down a treat with a glass of ale, refreshing the parts needed to start everyone singing again.
But what did the locals really think? “Amazing” said the lady on the other end of the line. That person was Anne Downton, the chief organiser, who admitted she had lost count of the number of phone calls, e-mails and people who stopped her in the village to say how much they enjoyed themselves. One group said they could have sat through it all again. Others were asking when Churchdown Male Voice Choir was coming back. A letter from a long-time resident said the choir was “moving, uplifting and fun”, going on to add “very good for us in times like these”. The saddest comment came from a group who admitted, “If we had known it was going to be so good we would have come”. Add to this the fact we raised just under £1,000, and you will understand why it is very likely we will be invited back. Moreover, the latest branch of the Ralph Barnes Fan Club has just opened in the village, for mature ladies. It must be understood it is not possible to divulge what age that is.
There was just enough room for the choir to sit on the raised area before the altar, with a slight platform in front for the MD’s music stand, adorned with a smiling face to stress the need to look happier than usual.
The programme seemed to be appropriate for the occasion, and Mike St John-Green guided the audience through the various items. There were songs from shows mixed with good traditional male voice choir pieces. It was interspersed with two songs each from Jeff Bourton and Ralph Barnes. Both sang beautifully, but Ralph’s rendition of ‘Stars’, the Javert number from Les Miserables, was really excellent. With sixteen numbers from the full choir this seemed right to one observer, as any more solos would have made the concert too long.
‘Tydi A Roddaist’ was performed well on its first outing of the year, and also ‘The Prayer’. All parts of the concert were applauded, the one weak spot being ‘My Heart Will Go On’, but ‘Amen’ got the extra appreciation as usual.
It was considered a delight to sing in the old church and a lot of credit should go to their members for the user-friendly facilities, such as the new toilets and heating system, which poured warmth from under the pews. It had to be turned off in the interval as some in the audience were getting slowly roasted. During this break refreshments were served, including red and white wine, nibbles, Elderflower pressé and water for those not wanting alcohol. This was included in the ticket price of £8, and free to the choir, although donations towards the cost were requested.
As the audience demanded an encore, we duly obliged with ‘Morte Criste’, at which point James switched to the church organ, built in 1866 by JW Walker & Sons. The first person to play it was the great Hubert Parry, knighted in 1898 and made a baronet in 1903. Is this an omen for our own “Mighty Quinn’? It should be noted we received a standing ovation for this rendition – from one little lady!
Following many encouraging comments from the audience on the way out, the choir headed to an afterglow at The Bell Inn at the end of the green, and near the unique cricket ground. Piping hot sausages and chips went down a treat with a glass of ale, refreshing the parts needed to start everyone singing again.
But what did the locals really think? “Amazing” said the lady on the other end of the line. That person was Anne Downton, the chief organiser, who admitted she had lost count of the number of phone calls, e-mails and people who stopped her in the village to say how much they enjoyed themselves. One group said they could have sat through it all again. Others were asking when Churchdown Male Voice Choir was coming back. A letter from a long-time resident said the choir was “moving, uplifting and fun”, going on to add “very good for us in times like these”. The saddest comment came from a group who admitted, “If we had known it was going to be so good we would have come”. Add to this the fact we raised just under £1,000, and you will understand why it is very likely we will be invited back. Moreover, the latest branch of the Ralph Barnes Fan Club has just opened in the village, for mature ladies. It must be understood it is not possible to divulge what age that is.