Holme Cultram Abbey provided the setting for an uplifting Christmas concert given by Dalston Male Voice Choir, with guests The Gala Trio.

Under the expert baton of Michael Deakin and with sensitive piano accompaniments from Lorraine Gash, the audience was treated to a pleasingly varied selection of songs. The choir opened with some old favourites, ‘All the Things you are’ and ‘Autumn Leaves’ in which an endearingly gentle tenor opening melody blossomed into a full, well-blended choral sound, which was further enhanced by the glorious acoustics of the abbey.

There followed a successful rendition of a piece new to the choir, ‘Diolch I’r Ior’ (we look forward to hearing the Welsh version in the future!) and a very confident performance of a World War 1 medley, entitled ‘Till the Boys Come Home’, including a super tenor solo from Jonathan Richardson.

The talented Gala Trio, Gabrielle Sanders (oboe), Anne Louise Rothwell (clarinet) and Angela Turner (flute) gave very polished performances throughout the afternoon. In ‘Alice and the Mad Hatter’ by Geoffrey Russell-Smith (who, incidentally, is the only person I have ever met who can sing two voice parts at the same time!); ‘Nutcracker Surprise’ by Duncan Stubbs and the specially-commissioned ‘Carols for Three’ by local composer Philip Wood, the trio displayed some excellent ensemble-playing, with great interplay between parts and careful articulation from all players. Their expressive playing captured the essence of each piece and delighted the audience.

The choir’s Christmas selection was pleasingly varied. There were arrangements of ‘Joy to the World’, ‘When a Child is Born’ (with some very rich, resonant lines from the basses) Chestnuts Roasting…..’ to name but a few, all sung with clear diction, careful sharing of the melodic line and a good range of dynamics.

For me, however, the highlights were ‘Infant Holy’ which was particularly beautiful in its unaccompanied section; O Holy Night’ which captured the serenity of the occasion and a very accomplished performance of Te Laudamus’, where some strong unison singing burst forth into well-balanced harmonies.

If I were to wear my critical hat, then perhaps I would have liked a couple of the pieces to have been sung a little more quickly, but all in all, a really enjoyable afternoon of music which was perfectly rounded off with a choir encore of ,’ Winter Wonderland’ and a magnificent buffet, provided by the ladies from the abbey.

Avril Tisdall

The audience thoroughly enjoyed an afternoon celebrating Male Voice Choir singing. Dalston Male Voice Choir has previously presented a number of excellent concerts at the church and this was no exception. For this concert the choir was joined by Whitehaven Male Voice Choir. Dalston began the concert with a song appropriate for the season, ‘Autumn Leaves’, followed by Flanders and Swann’s ‘Slow Train’, ‘Tydi a Roddaist’ (sung in Welsh) and, as a tribute to Remembrance, ‘When the Boys Come Home’.

The choir was expertly conducted by their musical director Michael Deakin and skilfully accompanied by their pianist, Lorraine Gash. The variety of the songs demonstrated the versatility of the choir and the songs were all performed to the high standard we have come to expect.

Dalston Male Voice Choir has a tradition of supporting young musicians from the local area and the up and coming musician for this concert was the talented young baritone, Jack Milburn. He delighted the audience by singing six songs in two groups of three.

These songs included the very entertaining Flanders and Swann’s ‘The Gas Man Cometh’, ‘Edelweiss’ from The Sound of Music, ‘The Water is Wide’, and ‘On the Street Where you Live’ from My Fair Lady. Jack’s love of singing and his passion for Musical Theatre shone through his performance. For his final song Jack was joined by a friend, Alex, another talented young singer, to perform ‘The Sound of Silence’.

Whitehaven then performed their section of the concert. The choir sang a range of songs which included ‘Gwahoddiad’, ‘Jamaica Farewell’, ‘The Sound of Silence’ and a Medley from ‘Les Miserables’ which ended with the rousing chorus ‘Do you hear the People Sing?’.

The choir was expertly guided through their pieces by Musical Director, Colin Hoodless and beautifully accompanied by Joan Johnston. The audience enjoyed the quality of the singing and the choir demonstrated their ability to sing with the full range of dynamics and clear diction. Their last piece was listed as a ‘surprise item’, which proved to be two songs sung by a barbershop quartet, made up of four members of the choir, which were thoroughly enjoyed by the audience.

For the final part of the concert the two choirs joined together to perform four songs, the well known ‘Morte Cristi’ (When I survey the wondrous cross), ‘The Rose’, ‘Love could I only tell thee’ and finally a lovely performance of ‘Speed your Journey’. The voices of the two choirs blended together beautifully and it was hard to believe that the two choirs were performing together for the first time.

A vote of thanks was given by the Revd. David Newlove, then the enthusiastic and well deserved applause of the audience persuaded the choirs to finish with an encore, the song ‘Softly’. After this the choirs and audience were able to mingle and chat over a cup of tea or coffee and delicious scones and cakes which nicely rounded off a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon.

Susan Kydd

Sunday afternoon’s concert was a real treat for the sell-out audience. Dalston Male Voice Choir, conducted by professional musician Mike Deakin and ably accompanied on the piano by Lorraine Gash, proved their enormous talent and versatility with a programme that included traditional songs, sea shanties, pop rock standards, grand opera, and even songs in other languages.

The choir opened with an arrangement by Mike Deakin of Wild Rover, a traditional song that brought a smile to everyone’s faces. They then launched into a programme that embraced a wide variety of musical styles, from the exuberance and energy of Mambo Italiano by Bob Merril, to the tender lyricism of such numbers as The Rose by Amanda McBroom, Autumn Leaves by Joseph Kosma, and a beautiful setting of Laurence Binyon’s words We Will Remember Them by Jonathan Millican that held the audience spellbound.

Old favourites were included such as Bridge Over Troubled Water by Paul Simon and Imagine by John Lennon, and the choir also rose to the challenges of singing first in Ukrainian, in the traditional lullaby Oi Khodyt’ Son Kolo Vikon, and then in Welsh in the song Gwahoddiad by Lewis Hartsough, before rounding off the programme with the ever-popular Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves from Verdi’s Nabucco.

Interspersed with the choir numbers were two stunning performances by the hugely talented Gala Trio. Gabrielle Sanders (oboe) Anne Louise Rothwell (clarinet) and Angela Turner (flute) thrilled the audience with their warm and lively rendition of Haydn’s London Trio no. 3. They also played Divertimento by Graham Powning, showcasing their vivid, characterful playing in the virtuosic opening movement, through the soulful and meditative middle movement, and ending with the joyous and humorous finale.

Carolyn Fyfe

The audience at Wigton Road Methodist Church in Carlisle was treated to a real celebration of Male Voice Choir singing.

Dalston Male Voice Choir was joined by the excellent Dunvant Male Choir from Dunvant near Swansea in South Wales for a concert entitled ‘Two Choirs, One Voice’ or in Welsh ‘Dau Gorau, Un Llais’.

Dalston Male Voice Choir began the evening very appropriately with a performance of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s ‘It’s a Grand Night for Singing.’ They followed this with four more songs which included a very lively performance of an American traditional version of Old MacDonald and a moving tribute to Remembrance ‘When the Boys Come Home.’ The range of songs demonstrated the versatility of the choir and the songs were sung to the choir’s usual high standard.

After this, Dalston Male Voice Choir continued its tradition of supporting young, up and coming musicians from the local area. On this occasion the musician was the very talented young pianist David Shingler who delighted the audience by ably performing 5 pieces in very different styles from periods ranging from the 17th Century music of Frobisher to the 20th Century music of Ireland and Gershwin.

The Dunvant Male choir, comprising about 60 voices, then took to the stage and excellently performed a selection of five pieces. The power of this large choir filled the church but their range of pieces, which included the unaccompanied ‘Eli Jenkin’s Prayer’ by A.D.H. Troyte, ‘There’s Nothing Like a Dame’ by Rodgers and Hammerstein and, very appropriately for Rugby World Cup Finals Weekend, ‘World in Union’, allowed them to very ably demonstrate their ability to sing with the full range of dynamics and very clear diction in both Welsh and English.

The evening came to a climax with both choirs performing four pieces together, two expertly conducted by Dalston’s musical director Michael Deakin and two equally expertly conducted by Dunvant’s musical director Jonathan Rodgers. Both pianists very skilfully accompanied two pieces each for the massed choirs. This section of the concert included a very powerful performance of Benedictus from ‘The Armed Man’ by Karl Jenkins which really demonstrated the ability of so many voices to sing quietly as well as loudly.

The concert finished with a lovely performance of ‘Speed your Journey’ from ‘Nabucco’ by Verdi. The very well deserved enthusiastic applause of the large audience persuaded the choirs to perform a final Welsh hymn as an encore.

Susan Kydd

Once again an audience at Wigton Road Methodist Church in Carlisle enjoyed an excellent concert presented by The Dalston Male Voice Choir.

On the afternoon of Sunday 9th June, the choir performed a concert entitled ‘It’s Love That Makes The World Go Round’ which included the song of that title from "Iolanthe" and other songs from across the world in a wide range of styles and a range of languages.

Some of the songs were well known such as ‘Let’s Face the Music and Dance’, ‘Water of Tyne’ and ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ and others were less familiar, but all were sung to the choir’s usual high standard. The enjoyment of the performers was clearly obvious throughout the concert and this certainly spread to the audience who also enjoyed the afternoon greatly.

The choir was expertly guided through the concert by the musical director Michael Deakin and brilliantly accompanied on the piano by Lorraine Gash. David Wood should also be congratulated on his informative and entertaining links between sections of the concert.

Special mention should be made of Close Shave, the barbershop quartet made up from members of the choir, who performed two groups of songs with great skill. They were a pleasure to listen to and they seemed to enjoy performing as much as the audience enjoyed listening to them.

The concert finished with a lovely performance of ‘Speed your Journey’ from Nabucco by Verdi after which the choir and audience enjoyed tea or coffee and delicious cakes together.

What a lovely way to spend a sunny, summer, Sunday afternoon.

Gordon and Susan Kydd

In Dalston Hilary's Boys means one thing: Dalston Male Voice Choir, founded in 1985 and also directed, for its first 27 years, by Hilary Hodgson who died in February. This concert was a fitting celebration of her musical legacy and a chance to share many anecdotes.

From the moment the men marched up the aisle to the rousing Stouthearted Men, the choir's first signature tune, we knew we were in for an afternoon of melody but also nostalgia.

Michael Williams introduced the varied programme which included many numbers sung from memory, allowing the choir to engage confidently with the audience and with director Michael Deakin at all times.

Morte Christe, Autumn Leaves and Old Time Religion demonstrated the choir's good balance, the latter featuring lovely tumbling phrases from accompanist Lorraine Gash.

Former choir member Peter Jones delighted us with his authentic Tyneside songs, and the choir's skilful barber shop quartet, Close Shave, complete with straw boaters and waistcoats, illustrated just what fun can be had making music together.

The encore, Softly as I leave You, was most poignant, but above all we were left feeling grateful that this popular choir lives on. Current members come from far and wide and the choir always welcomes new recruits.

Juliet Rowcroft

From New Zealand to the USA, from France to the Waters of Tyne, the Dalston Male Voice Choir took us on an international musical journey, displaying ensemble-singing talent honed over their thirty plus year history. They presented Maori folk songs which started with a sort of choir Hakka (without the warlike expressions) and included a lovey solo line from Michael Deakin; the whole a choice to honour the homeland of Lorraine Gash their accompanist.

Spirituals and musical numbers from hit shows were presented with equal panache. In ‘The Rhythm of Life chorus’, never an easy sing, they maintained good separation of parts in the song’s complicated melody and counter melody.

Michael Deakin conducts with sensitivity to the mood of each piece, from the lilting syncopations of Give me that old time religion’ to the canonical ‘Waters of Tyne’, a beautiful arrangement well delivered. My particular favourite was "Morte Christe a piece particularly suited to the mellow blended voices of the men.

Between each choir set an additional treat were two solo sets by the fine baritone voice of ex-Carlisle cathedral chorister Jonathan Hill who is currently studying at the Royal Northern College of music. His deep love of that most English of composers Vaughan Williams was evident in his subtle renditions of The Vagabond, Let Beauty Awake and especially The Infinite Shining Heavens but he showed the sheer power of his voice in the sacred pieces Lord God of Abraham from "Elijah" and an excerpt from JS Bach’s Magnificat.

Going back to his roots both physically and musically I suspect. He has a real stage presence too. Watch out for more from this promising young singer.

St Aidan’s church suffered during the floods of 2005 and 2015 however there is no sign of that now in the smart and comfortable refurbishment. The excellent piano was skilfully put through its paces by Lorraine Gash and Michael Deakin ( who kindly accompanied Jonathan), so a completely unamplified natural balance of volume was achieved.

The high ceiling and stone walls give a wonderful acoustic setting for singers to enjoy and share the beauty of their own voices. It certainly showed off the rich tones and close harmonies so characteristic of this choir. We look forward to their return.

Jean Hill

I have been to the Christmas Concerts of this choir ever since my wife and I moved locally. It had always been a treat but recently, with the addition of the mulled wine and mince pies, things got even better! Best of all was the delightful singing by the choir: the best I have heard from them.

I liked the contrasts in the selection of music which balanced popular seasonal yuletide songs with some really unusual harmonies, such as the one from the Outer Hebrides (sorry,I can't pronounce the title).

Soothing harmonies as in the Welsh carol "Suo Gaan" and the bare tones of "Gaude Te" an excellent rendition of a Latin Text, provided lots of variation in this concert. "Let it Snow" and "Chestnuts Roasting" brightened up this gloomy afternoon and the selection of First World War songs left us with many mixed emotions during a very moving last post.

A young soloist, the singer Brihannon Strathern, added her own particular charm in a series of modern songs of which "Can't help loving that man of mine" really stood out. The addition of "Abide With Me", which she sang with her brother, was really moving. Her accompanist also happened to be the musical director, Michael Deakin who, along with choir accompanist Lorraine Gash complemented both the choir and the soloist very well indeed.

However, as the storm raged outside and temperatures began to plummet, we began to hear lyrics such as, "Jack Frost nipping " and "Let it Snow"! It was only when the happy compere announced "please stay for mulled wine" that I couldn't get to the bar fast enough.

J.C.

I have been to the Christmas Concerts of this choir ever since my wife and I moved locally. It had always been a treat but recently, with the addition of the mulled wine and mince pies, things got even better! Best of all was the delightful singing by the choir: the best I have heard from them.

I liked the contrasts in the selection of music which balanced popular seasonal yuletide songs with some really unusual harmonies, such as the one from the Outer Hebrides (sorry,I can't pronounce the title).

Soothing harmonies as in the Welsh carol "Suo Gaan" and the bare tones of "Gaude Te" an excellent rendition of a Latin Text, provided lots of variation in this concert. "Let it Snow" and "Chestnuts Roasting" brightened up this gloomy afternoon and the selection of First World War songs left us with many mixed emotions during a very moving last post.

A young soloist, the singer Brihannon Strathern, added her own particular charm in a series of modern songs of which "Can't help loving that man of mine" really stood out. The addition of "Abide With Me", which she sang with her brother, was really moving. Her accompanist also happened to be the musical director, Michael Deakin who, along with choir accompanist Lorraine Gash complemented both the choir and the soloist very well indeed.

However, as the storm raged outside and temperatures began to plummet, we began to hear lyrics such as, "Jack Frost nipping " and "Let it Snow"! It was only when the happy compere announced "please stay for mulled wine" that I couldn't get to the bar fast enough.

J.C.

This was much more than a "grand night for singing", as the opening chorus remarked. Here we had a well-balanced concert of tuneful melodies and well-contrasted harmonies.

The vocal treats were balanced with two substantial offerings which clearly displayed the instrumental expertise of the Helm Quintet. The fame (and size) of this group seems to be growing each time the choir visits the area and alongside this comes the growth of the talent.

The two pieces chosen were, firstly, a brilliant mix of Hungarian interludes, ( sorry I didn't catch the composer ) and the second offering, Bell's music for a comic play, really stole the hearts of the audience. These were polished performances from an accomplished group.

The choir itself were on top form all night in a great programme from folk song to gospel music, from songs from the shows to a poignant reminder that the anniversary of the end of the first world war is approaching.

The songs were thoroughly well rehearsed and if I had to choose a favourite , it would be one of the Welsh songs. The stirring nature of "Gwahoddiad" was well contrasted to the serenity of "Hireath" but it was the charming rendition of Parry's "Myfanwy" which delighted us all.

It was not just the choir who entertained chorally as it was a pleasure to hear the contrasting vocal talents of the barber-shop quartet, Close Shave. The four singers are to be congratulated in providing an interesting central section to the concert. Their choice of "Down by the River Side" as a centre piece was a memorable inclusion.

One must also give credit to musical director Michael Deakin who not only conducted, but sang in the barber-shop quartet! Lorraine Gash was an able accompanist throughout. On top of this we rounded of the evening with a veritable feast, so thanks to the caterers too and all who worked to make this a great evening.

Jeff Daniels

It was a Grand Night for Singing at St. Barnabas in Carlisle last Saturday. That was the opening number and it set the tone for a richly varied and beautifully sung programme by the excellent Dalston Male Voice Choir.

There were Welsh Songs, songs from the Shows, nostalgic songs from World War One, a wonderful rendering of the Spiritual, "Where could I go but to the Lord" and many other styles of song too numerous to mention.

Young solo singer Alissa Moore displayed a nicely developing voice and some sensitive expression in her two solo spots the highlight being a beautiful performance of the Clare Blessing by Rutter ably assisted at the piano by Michael Deakin who spent the rest of the evening in front of the choir conducting them with great clarity, artistry and inspiration.

The choir produced the most beautiful mellifluous tone and got deep into the heart of every piece they sang. Special mention must be made of Lorraine Gash who accompanied the choir impeccably throughout the evening. Her performance was totally at one with choir and conductor. The evening built up to a thrilling climax with chorus of the Hebrew Slaves from Nabucco by Verdi.

A truly memorable evening which was the final concert of the year in this beautiful Art Deco church which is so comfortable and which has the most superb acoustic. The post concert supper was of the highest quality. A new series of concerts will begin next April. Watch this space.

Michael Hancock

This is a choir that loves to sing and under the direction of Musical Director Michael Deakin they performed an eclectic selection of music. Choir member Ray Fearon provided the link between the pieces. The choir sang in for part harmony. There was good balance between the voices with no part dominating. Occasionally intonation slipped, but only momentarily, the choir soon corrected and regained pitch. Diction was excellent, as was their phrasing, all due to the talents of Michael Deakin.

Sometimes the men passed words of the songs between the voices and so all four voices were heard. First and second tenors, first and second basses. Singing Rhythm of life was challenging, the arrangement had seven key changes and was a tongue twister. There was some disparity in the rhythm in what was a difficult piece to sing in four part harmony, but their mellifluous rendition of Myfanwy by Joseph Parry was a balm to the ears, and they sang it in Welsh. Special mention must be made of accompanist Lorraine Gash. She was never obtrusive but was always there and her empathy with the choir was apparent.

The HELM WIND quartet was formed from the GALA TRIO, flute, oboe and clarinet; but along came a bassoon player and so they were no longer a trio, but a quartet. Hence the name change. They gave a superlative performance, and although newly formed there was a rapport between the players. Their first piece was composed by Eugene Joseph Bozza. Trois Pieces pour une Musique de Nuit. The first and third movement stately in style and the second movement very lively. Each instrument was given the opportunity of a solo part.

Following this the quartet really excelled themselves. They had so much fun and this was relayed to the audience. They performed a hilariously cheeky piece based on jazz idioms, mainly influenced by ragtime. Dance Suite by Matyas Seiber. The composer portrays seven different dance styles. The frenetic interplay between flute and oboe was tempered by the clarinet and bassoon. All the instruments had passages where they could shine. The suite ended with a Paso Doble, bringing the instruments to a harmonious conclusion.

This was a very enjoyable concert. Both choir and instrumentalists are to be congratulated in providing a very happy evening. Not to be forgotten are the Abbey ladies who provide refreshments that are unsurpassed in the county.

M. H.

On a sunny Sunday afternoon, Dalston Male Voice Choir, treated a relaxed audience to its Sunny Songs concert in St Michael’s Church, Dalston, and joining it, by invitation, was the talented young local musician Will Nixon, playing the piano.

Michael Deakin conducted in his usual decisive manner, David Wood made announcements with well researched details about each item, and Lorraine Gash accompanied the choir on the piano.

Most of the songs have been regularly performed in the choir’s repertoire, with favourites like Rhythm of life, Nessum Dorma, and Speed your Journey, but on this occasion it premiered Tydi a Roddaist with words by T Rowland Hughes and music by Arwel Hughes. Being sung in Welsh there was a tiny hiccup with some words, but that is excusable for an English choir’s premiere!

Will Nixon took to the church’s grand piano, in two sessions, to play music by Bach, Brahms and Gershwin, all in sensitive and gripping fashion, giving pleasure to all tastes

After the concert the audience and choir enjoyed a finger buffet with wine.

Ian Turnbull