Low Moor Church, Wigton

A large audience attended the concert given by the Dalston Male Voice Choir at Lowmoor Road Church, Wigton in aid of the Cumbria Container Challenge.

Roger Quilter's 'Non Nobis, Domine' opened the programme and began a world tour which took in Verdi's 'Speed Your Journey' (Italy), the 'Cantique de Jean Racine' by Faure (France), 'Where Could I Go' (USA) and 'Waltzing Matilda' (Australia).

The crisp diction and rhythmic accuracy of this excellent choir were well evidenced in 'Go Tell Aunt Rhody' and 'The Rhythm of Life', while in 'All The Things You Are' and 'The Rose' there were sustained lines and a skilful use of silence. The choir's accompanist was Lorraine Gash, who was unfazed by a demanding variety of styles. Michael Williams compered the evening with a dry wit which was much relished.

Guest artistes were barber shop quartet Close Shave, and 15 year old soprano Myrna Tennant accompanied by Avril Tisdall. Myrna's two groups of songs including Purcell's 'Nymphs and Shepherds', Franck's 'Panis Angelicus', and Gershwin's 'Someone To Watch Over Me'; all admirably sung. Her clear steady tone was shown to its best advantage in the slower numbers, Handel's 'Lascia Ch`io Pianga' and 'On My Own' from Les Miserables.

Close Shave, whose insouciant air belies the very hard work which must lie behind their performance, gave a cluster of songs including 'Carolina Moon' and 'My Evaline'. They looked as though they were having fun and sounded like it too.

The choir's Musical Director, Hilary Hodgson, retires at the end of the year after 27 years and 250 concerts, of which she has missed only one. During that time the choir has progressed from tentative beginnings to the disciplined, flexible and sensitive instrument it is today. She will leave a superb inheritance to whoever follows her.