A Night At The Opera

There was a warm welcome and friendly feel to the concert. It was good to see an almost full house at Codsall Village Hall too. I noted members of the company managed to serve drinks at the bar in the hall before the concert began, and during the interval, which added to the sense of community.

The selection of operatic pieces chosen for the evening's entertainment, performed by talented members in collaboration with guest singers, assured a rewarding auditory experience. The choice of composers was admirable and varied. The Bridal Chorus from Lohengrin, set the scene for the programme, which heralded the bride’s arrival to her wedding, a triumphant theme, the beginning. What shortly followed included several strong ensemble performances of songs from the enduring Gilbert and Sullivan, including: The Yeoman of the Guard; Trial by Jury; Ruddigore; The Mikado and The Pirates of Penzance.

 Dr Edd Caine’s expert direction was faultless, and the choir responded magnificently to his every gesture, offering support too, to different quartets of soloists throughout the evening. This included delivery of,” Brightly dawns our wedding day,” showcasing the resounding vocal talents of Christina, Suzanne, Steve and Greg. “When a wooer goes a wooing,” was sung distinctively and animatedly by Sheila, Jane, Julian and Mick. “When the buds are blossoming,” was delivered from, “Ruddigore,” with perfect clarity by Suzanne, Jane, Steve H and Steve R. Mac Hammond’s rendition of "The Judge's Song" and "Hail Poetry" was particularly impressive; his execution of G and S was expertly crafted and highly appreciated by the audience. 

Phaedra and Paul, welcome guest singers, captured perfectly, the allure of romantic pursuit through the music and lyrics of,” La ci darem la mano,” blending in perfect harmony in theatrical fashion. Equally impressive was Sheila’s heartfelt rendition of “Nella Fantasia,” a beautiful melody with themes of love, peace, and hope. Sheila conveyed these emotions with tenderness, delivering a flawless vocal performance accompanied by her husband, Peter, on piano.  A performance which I found  quite moving. Barbara, another guest soloist, was accompanied by the chorus for her performance of "Casta Diva," which featured long melodic lines with rises and climaxes at the end. Barbara’s stage presence in this number was compelling, her voice strong and pure. When Mike Rawlings delivered his sensitive interpretation of, “Bring Him Home,” he too, evoked our careful listening and appreciation.

The second half of the concert commenced with the rousing finale from, “Die Fledermaus,” which was suitably upbeat, entitled,” Champagne.” This was quickly followed by more songs from Ruddigore, including "When the Night Wind Howls," performed by Paul with strong projection alongside the male chorus members. This was promptly followed by, “I know a Youth,” sung so naturally with perfect control, inflection  by Phaedra in harmony with Steve H, a  fine tenor .There were also two items selected from the production, “The Merry Widow,” namely, “Driving in the park with you,” sung sprightly by Sue and Mike Rawlings; and “Vilia,” sung softly by the lovely Christina with impressive pitch and range. Another favourite of mine, in this second part of the programme, featured the performance of, “Soave il vento,” (from Mozart’s opera,” Cosi Fan Tutti”), by Barbara, Jane and Julian, who conveyed the story of the song about wishing soldiers safe travel as their ship sailed, so effectively, with much expression on their faces as well as vocally. Other inspiring performances during this evening of opera, included a solo from guest singer, Sue Rawlings, whose powerful delivery of, “Song to the Moon,” was both effortless and dynamic.  Sue Rogers performance of, “Habanera,” was suitably jolly and energetic. Sheila, accompanied by the chorus, presented the Easter Hymn and the sound from the stage was awesome, the harmonies just delightful. The concert closed with the lyrical, “Danube, river of dreams,” from one of their recent productions,” Gipsy Baron,” led with cheerful upbeat by Gary, Steve H, Julian and Greg so confidently, a perfect conclusion to this most enjoyable concert.

Narrators, Jane Souter and Vi Hurley kept us well informed intermittently during the programme about the background details to some of the compositions, and they did this role with essential gusto and superb diction.

Under Dr Edd Caine’s leadership as a musical director, he adopted a cohesive approach with remarkable precision and clarity: inspiring the choir with his skilled conducting, as well as maximising the talents and energy of solo vocalists, and importantly, ensuring the accompanist, the very talented David Easto, kept in pace.

Dr Edd Caine was admirably in control throughout, and David Easto excelled as a pianist.

Congratulations to everyone who took part in this concert, including those who worked hard in the background to ensure that each performance went smoothly with strong support. This company had evidently devoted time and energy to rehearsals and tonight it paid dividends, for it was an entertaining concert with embracing music, so well performed. Thank you for inviting me.

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