Sounds of the 60's

The September Evenings at CODS are always sold out well before the date and this year was no different.  The enthusiastic audience knows they not only will be entertained by some excellent singing but will also enjoy a delicious meal.  The Boniface Centre had been dressed in an attractive way and after a friendly welcome the audience was seated at tables eager to be entertained.

This year the selection of music was from some of the best-loved popular music of the 60's.    It is interesting to remember that this was first performed nearly sixty years ago yet the music sounds as exciting now as it did then.   The choir was attractively and brightly dressed and there were many smiling faces.  If the choir is having a good time then the audience will enjoy it even more.

CODS is renowned for its quality of choral singing and months of rehearsal had resulted in a highly polished performance but without losing any of the feeling of spontaneity and joy.  The Chorus Master had trained the singers with meticulous attention to detail.   Endings of phrases were beautifully clean and the voices blended so well.  Every word could be heard.   The programme was varied with many opportunities for solos and small ensembles between the choral numbers.  There was not a weak voice amongst the soloists, all were of a high and very pleasing standard.  Some of these voices are of a stunning quality that would grace a stage anywhere.  We are fortunate that they clearly love the amateur stage and performing with CODS.  

So often with a choir the standing and sitting at the beginning and end of numbers is done in a uniform manner.  It can give a more "professional" finish to the performance.   On this occasion the singers were more relaxed in their approach resulting in a greater feeling of joy and friendliness.  We were also encouraged to push our chairs back, get to our feet and to be "choreographed",  not dancing exactly, it could better be described as "movement".

 The small band produced a fabulous 60's sound.  They too looked as if the evening was a lot of fun.  A very talented group of musicians who are well known to  CODS as they also play for their musicals.

 Links between the music were interesting and entertaining and had been minimised to allow more musical content without the evening running on too late. 

Shortly CODS will be presenting their play, in December their panto and then in April most of this evening's singers will be in "Sister Act".  Not only is this an excellent way of keeping the audience loyal but also a splendid way of keeping the voices "in training" between shows.  It does seem to pay dividends.

CODS are in a class of their own when it comes to presenting a musical evening.  This was a joyous experience for us all.

 

 

 

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