The Three Towns in Concert

The Three Towns annual concert held at St Jospeh’s Hall, Leigh presented cabaret style seating. With dress code black, the women looked beautiful in black long dresses of their own style some featuring black lace and diamanté accessories. The gentlemen looking splendid in suits with bow ties.

Nicola White was the very accomplished pianist for the evening with help from Jennifer Cooper. Nicola working well with Phil Boardman, The Musical Director knows his stuff and helped deliver some gorgeous harmonies with ensemble work.  

Ben Hassouna-Smith was the compere for the evening, keeping it light and informative with a hint of cheekiness thrown in for good measure. Very Entertaining.

We were treated to various songs from all genres. I will pick out a few.

The whole choir opened with a rousing Chattanooga Choo Choo written by Mack Gordon and originally recorded by Glen Miller. That was followed by Deep River, a slave song about hope and freedom. The harmonies were lovely, especially the bass section - very moving.

Jennie Heywood performed solo Colours of The Wind beautifully from Pocahontas. Another ensemble song was The Glory Of Love and it was clear to see with the smiling faces this was a favourite. Joyous.

Allen Christey-Casson and John Matthias’ duet was The Bold Gendarmes giving us cheeky chappies and fun.

Make You Feel My Love was superb. Written by Bob Dylan and covered by various artists including Adele. The first act was ended with The Easter Hymn from Cavalleria Rusticana by Italian composer Pietro Mascagni.

The second part opened with For Unto Us A Child Is Born from Handel’s Messiah, getting us ready for Christmas.

David Kay was Musical Director when the Ladies sang Big Spender, giving us sass and movement with a twinkle in their eyes.  David also paid a fitting tribute to a long-standing member who is no longer with them, Margaret Laithwaite and the work she put into the society.

Kate Blezard and Beth Garrett singing the duet I Know Him So Well from Chess, complementing each other and we got a taster of the The Three Towns’ next 2025 show Die Fledermaus with an excerpt from the opening of Act 2.

As I said before as a group the harmonies are a delight and Anthem from Chess, Choral Highlights from Grease (with Permission from Hal Leonard) and Super Trouper from Abba didn’t disappoint. If I may pick one, a particular favourite of mine was Various themes on Fa-La-La. By Chuck Birdwell Featuring William Tell Overture, The Blue Danube and many more. Loved it.

What is clear is the joy the choir have in singing and it comes across. Thank you from my guest Dawn and I for the invite and hospitality.

Liz Hume-Dawson - District 5 Rep

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