Summer Serenade

On what was otherwise a rain and wind-swept day we were warmly welcomed to St George’s Church for a Summer Serenade concert. Blighted by some sickness, the group, smaller than planned totally rose to the occasion with a great choice of musical numbers all exceedingly well sung.

Not to be outdone by the weather, the concert opened with a  bright ‘Summer Holiday’ from the film of the same name, and after a warm welcome from compare Sue Black, this was followed by Sue singing ‘O Mio Babbino Caro’ from Gianni Schicchi, beautifully with great power and clarity. The chorus followed with a melodic ‘Summertime’ from Porgy and Bess and then Catherine Barrett sang an expressive and quite spell binding ‘One Fine Day’ from Madame Butterfly. The ladies chorus were harmonious with ‘Barcarolle’ from The Tales of Hoffman and Samuel Taunton provided a cheeky but still impressive version of ‘Where is the Life that Late I Led’ from Kiss Me Kate!

The Chorus then sang two numbers with expression and some nice light and shade including some great support from Shara Parry in ‘Habanera’ from Carmen, followed by Paul Thompson’s rich and splendid tones with ‘A Laughing Boy’ from The Yeomen of the Guard. ‘The Flower Duet’ from Lakme was quite outstandingly sung by Naomi Awre and Sue Black. Their voices blended so well and was absolutely beautiful. A lovely ‘Edelweiss’ from The Sound of Music followed and Naomi returned with a fantastic performance of  ‘Una Donna A Quindici Anni’ from Cosi Fan Tutte. The chorus sang ‘Polovtsian Dances’ from Prince Igor with power and John Caldwell sang ‘Some Enchanted Evening’ from South Pacific with great feeling and sincerity, whilst being beautifully accompanied by Tim Sidford on piano.

Then followed a selection from The Pirates of Penzance, including ‘How Beautifully Blue the Sky’ with Catherine, Samuel and the ladies chorus and Paul returned leading the male chorus with ‘When a Felon number’s Not Engaged in his Employment’ and then ‘Hail, Poetry’, which needs to be sang especially well and was. The audience were treated to an extra and amusing number ‘When the Foeman Bears His Steel, also from Pirates.

To round off a brilliant afternoon, the audience were treated to a strawberry and cream tea having been exceeding well serenaded, under the first-class musical direction of Naomi Awre and accompanist Tim Sidford.

 

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