Wigton Road Methodist Church, Carlisle -
Friday 26th September 2008
Dalston Male Voice Choir paints pictures in sound
An appreciative audience shared the melody, rhythm and sheer exuberance of the sound of Dalston Male Voice Choir at their concert at Wigton Road Methodist Church. The choir quickly established the mood of each song, using tone, clear diction and a willing and ready response to the expressive signals of their skilful and enthusiastic conductor Hilary Hodgson, with the sympathetic support of their very competent accompanist Lorraine Gash.
In ‘Watching the Wheat’ the choir painted a picture of landscape in sun and rain and evoked the many emotions in the song. The programme included two medleys, an African Trilogy and three Maori songs specially arranged for this choir, starting with a Haka performed with ferocious energy and enthusiasm. The audience also enjoyed hearing the choir’s very talented young Guest Artists, Carlisle King and Katrina Evans play Vivaldi’s ‘Concerto for Two Trumpets’ and Haydn’s ‘Trumpet Concerto’, accompanied on piano by Andrew Walker.
The Reverend John Mason thanked everyone involved and presented flowers to Hilary and Lorraine. Then the choir treated us to a final gift, a brief offer of peace in ‘Shalom, my friend’ sung unaccompanied and dying away into the softest, gentlest music of the evening - a fitting farewell from Dalston Male Voice
Choir.
K.E.M.
The above is an edited
version of the full review, which can be viewed here.
The Priory Church, Lanercost - Sunday
11th May 2008
Mention
Dalston Male Voice Choir and you invariably get the same reaction –
one of affection and warmth. Since its formation this choir, led by the
indomitable and effervescent Hilary Hodgson, has become an important and
much loved part of the choral scene in Cumbria, spreading goodwill and
enjoyment and with a devoted following. Sunday evening was no exception.
From the moment the men entered the building and were clapped all the
way up the aisle, it was obvious that the large audience knew what they
expected and that they were going to enjoy it all.
This choir
is not about musical excellence, although theirs is a high standard; no,
leave that to the perfectionists – it is about the pure enjoyment that
can be had from singing with others and about friendship and camaraderie
– and it shines out in their performances.
Their
best pieces were undoubtedly those sung without music, where every eye
was on their conductor; particularly There
is a Balm in Gilead, which was very beautifully sung with great
expression and feeling. But the programme ranged through music of many
genres and included a piece that had been specially commissioned by
them, a distinction few other choirs in this area can claim. The whole
enjoyable programme was supported by Lorraine Gash, their excellent
accompanist, and entertainingly linked by Michael Williams.
DMVC has a
policy of encouraging emerging musicians as guest artists and on this
occasion had invited Rebecca Schubert, a young clarinettist and pupil of
William Howard School, Brampton. With Tony Tears, her accompanist and
teacher, to whom she paid a warm tribute, she delighted the audience
with her clear and stylish playing and put the icing on a happy and
pleasing evening.
Anthony Peacock.
Penrith Players' Theatre -
Friday 18th April 2008
The Dalston Choir sings for Charity
A wonderful evening of songs and music was enjoyed by over 100 people at The Penrith Players Theatre on Friday, at a concert given by the Dalston Male Voice Choir under the direction of Hilary Hodgson, with Lorraine Gash as accompanist. The 32 choristers showed their great experience and versatility with a range of songs from all over the world including Australia, America, Russia, Wales and New Zealand. This last piece, commissioned by the choir from the well known choral composer Gywn Arch, was introduced by a startling and effective New Zealand
Haka, familiar as a Maori challenge by the All Blacks rugby team. Though not as fit as the All Blacks, the choir were just as frightening, but followed the
Haka with a soothing lullaby, and a popular Maori hymn.
Sudden illness of their accompanist prevented the young trumpet soloists playing.
Fortunately four members of the choir who make up their own close harmony group 'Close Shave' stepped into the breach, and their unaccompanied performance brought tremendous applause from a very appreciative
audience.
The evening concluded with with a trio of songs from Africa, supported by an African drum, and ended appropriately with the African National
anthem 'God save Africa'.
The event was organised by John and Jan Kirk in aid of the local branch of the Motor Neurone Disease Association. A few of those with this as yet incurable condition were present at the concert, which gave added poignancy to the evening. £680 was raised for the local branch – and everyone had a lovely time.
The choir is always keen to welcome new members to all sections. You do not need to be able to read music – if you can memorise a tune and would like to try singing in
a choir, ring Geoff Noonan, the secretary on 016973 44985.
St John's Church, Plumpton -
Friday 2nd November 2007
(Published in The Cumberland
& Westmorland Herald, 10th November 2007)
"ANOTHER MALE VOICE SUCCESS.
St. John’s Church, Plumpton began the celebration of its centenary year with a splendid concert given by the Dalston Male Voice Choir on Friday 2nd November. A good audience was highly appreciative of the twenty-one pieces presented under the skilful and enthusiastic guidance of conductor Hilary Hodgson. Lorraine Gash provided excellent accompaniment throughout on the keyboard. Michael Williams introduced the items with fluent wit.
Six choir members gave solos at various points. There was even a close harmony – cum – barbershop quartet with the apt title of ‘Close Shave’ !
One of the nice features of this choir is their relaxed, and good humoured, rapport with their audience – and they do enjoy their singing.
Everyone in church that evening felt involved, and their warm applause at the end showed the extent of their appreciation."
Keith Wood. |
