Annual Spring Concert 7th May 2011
The choir held it's Annual Spring Concert on 7th May at Knowle Top Chapel, Stannington . Our Guest was Rachel Crisp who won The Doug Crossland Memorial Trophy for Best Female Singer in 2010. The concert was compered by the Choir President, Gerry Kersey.
The Concert Venue
As usual, the Choir started the concert with "The Bandit's Chorus" from Ernani. We sang 4 other pieces which included "The Old Woman" by Hugh Roberton, and finished with "Morte Criste" by Emrys Jones. Rachel then performed 4 pieces, which included "Voi Che Sapete" from The Marriage of Figaro by Mozart, and "Chanson Boheme" from Carmen by Bizet. The Choir then sang another 5 pieces from the current repertoire, beginning with "Speed your Journey" by Verdi, "Softly as I leave you" by de Vita and Shaper, and concluded the first part of the concert with the first performance of "Love could I only Tell thee" by J M Capel (this piece being recently relearned after many years).
Life Membership awarded to Clem
After a brief interval, the Choir took to the stage again to sing 5 more pieces, starting with "Onward, Ye Peoples" by Jean Sibelius (a piece we learned for the Royal Albert Hall concert in 2009), "An Eriskay Love Lilt" by Marjory Kennedy-Fraser, and concluded the section with "The Perfect Male Voice Choir" by Denys Hood. Rachel then performed another 3 pieces, beginning with an Ivor Novello "Medley", and continuing the theme with "Can't help loving that man of mine" from Showboat, and "If I loved you" from Carousel. The Choir then performed the old favourite "A Medley from 'Les Miserables'", and a thoroughly enjoyable evening concluded with Rachel joining us in a performance of "Easter Hymn" from Cavalleria Rusticana by Mascagni.
Ian's special presentation
A presentation was made to the Choir Secretary, Ian Pasley in recognition of all the work he does behind the scenes. The presentation was made by Gerry Kersey. There was also a presentation of Life Membership to Clem Taylor in recognition of his service to the choir. Clem has recently retired from singing, but was able to join us for the final two items in the concert.
Nigel, Steve, Rachel and her Mum, and Gerry
The Choir and Guests take a bow