The Three Towns Concert

The Three Towns autumn concert set in an informal cabaret style with the men looking smart in their black suits, the ladies in various beautiful black dresses and the stage framed with burgundy curtains.

Phil Boardman the Musical Director conducted them through various songs with enthusiasm and modesty. Nicola White (nee Dagnell) was the very accomplished pianist who played throughout.

Irene Smith was the compere and treated us to snippets of information about each piece sung. Very informative and an easy air with the choir and audience.

The evening was a variety of songs performed in two halves by the 40 strong choir.  Some twenty sections were included so I will just comment on a few. Opening with “Gloria” by Vivaldi and setting the tone from then on.  “Adiemus” from Karl Jenkins’ Songs of Sanctuary was mesmerizingly beautiful. Sung by the whole choir.

The Disney Melody was a lovely light touch with a solo from Jennie Heywood. Wendy Henshaw singing “On My Own” from Les Misérables was delightful. We were treated to the deep dulcet tones of Ken Rees singing “Higher than a Hawk” from Calamity Jane.  There was a lovely tribute to The Three Towns former Musical Director Rod Dakin. He was a great fan of John Rutter so they did the “For Beauty of the Earth”. Very moving. The first half was brought to a close with a Miss Saigon medley featuring solos from Julia Sutton, Enid Magenty, Wendy Henshaw and Alison Rawlinson. A lovely arrangement and performed well.

The second half opened up with” Singing in the rain” – fabulous - followed by an enchanting “Ashokan Farewell.” We were then serenaded to the velvet voice of Harry Ainsworth who sang “Can’t Help Falling in Love”. The ladies treated us to the Army Wives’ Christmas hit by Paul Mealor “Wherever You Are”.

I loved the Jersey Boys section plus “Life on Mars” and we then had the pleasure of John Matthias singing a comedy song “Old Mexico”.  Victoria Goulden showed her vocal dexterity by singing “The Waltz Song” from Merrie England and received rapturous applause, as did the whole choir when they ended with “You Can’t Stop the Beat” from Hairspray.  A lovely programme put together and something for everyone to enjoy.

Thank you, The Three Towns from my guest Angela and I for a lovely evening and for making us feel so welcome - and the lovely cups!

 

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