A Choral Celebration - 20th anniversary concert

I was thrilled to be invited back to see the Saltburn Songsters mark their 20th anniversary in style with a wonderfully entertaining evening of music that celebrated two decades of friendship, dedication and outstanding choral singing. Under the expert direction of Dan Matuszak, with Gillian Ash accompanying on piano and support from Jason Mitchell (Keys 2), Paul McArthur (bass guitar) and Richard Miles (drums), the all-female choir presented a programme packed with variety, humour and heartfelt performances.

The evening opened with ‘Meet the Songsters’, a clever and hilarious lyrical reworking of Meet the Flintstones, written by Dan Matuszak. It immediately had the audience smiling and perfectly showcased the choir's personality and sense of fun. The Disney medley ‘Happily Ever After’ featured excellent solo performances from Dan Matuszak, Catherine Ing, Jenny Ash, Emma Mapplebeck, Anne Davis, Sue McDonald and Gina Deaton, each bringing confidence and character to this enchanting arrangement.

Leonard Cohen's ‘Hallelujah’ was undoubtedly one of the evening's highlights. Beautifully balanced throughout, the choir sang with warmth and sensitivity, producing rich harmonies that captivated the audience. Equally memorable was a stunning choral arrangement of ‘Country Roads’. Not a song often heard in this style, it was beautifully performed, with superb vocal blend creating a fresh and moving interpretation.

The ever-popular Mamma Mia! medley featured engaging solos from Karen Roberts, Dan Matuszak and Anne Davis, before the audience was warmly encouraged to join in with ‘Waterloo’. The invitation was enthusiastically accepted, with everyone singing along and clearly enjoying the shared celebration. The evening also reflected the choir's commitment to the wider community, with a collection raising funds for a local charity. Adding to the celebrations, the Saltburn Songsters were presented with their 20th Anniversary Award by Peter Oliver, recognising two decades of bringing music and joy to audiences across the region.

The concert concluded with the inspirational ‘Why We Sing’, this was a perfectly chosen piece. Giving the audience a first hand explanation as to why this talented group have come back to perform for the past 20 years. The song provided a fitting finale to a memorable anniversary performance. It was a thoroughly enjoyable concert, warmly received by an appreciative audience, and a fitting celebration of everything the Saltburn Songsters have achieved over the past twenty years.

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