St. Michael's Church, Dalston

Tears were very close, and possibly even an emotional wobble from the tenor voices, as Dalston Male Voice Choir concluded their last concert under the direction of Hilary Hodgson with ‘Softly as I Leave You’. The fact that 30 had to be turned away from St Michael’s Church, filled to over-flowing, bears testimony to the affection and respect in which Hilary and the choir and accompanist Lorraine Gash are held.

Refreshingly, the programme contained no Christmas songs save the rousing medieval Gaudete sung unaccompanied and with vigour and so appropriate in this beautiful medieval church, plus a barber shop version of Silent Night performed ably by four choir members Close Shave. (Having few or no musical instruments, early German and Austrian immigrant families to the USA compensated with this four part close harmony version of the carol.)

Instead we enjoyed many favourite and familiar items, among them Gwahoddiad, bringing the Welsh valleys sound to North Cumbria, Will Ye No Come Back Again (sung with extra emotion today) and Shall we Gather at the River. Famous local soprano Ena Mitchell once advised: ’Never sing louder than lovely’. The sustained pianissimo achieved in these three items would surely have won her approval.

A recent addition is Cantique de Jean Racine, composed by Faure at the age of 19. The choir did justice to its subtle harmonies and dynamics but a bonus would have been to see the French text and translation. Rhythm of Life was snappy and crisp, as was I’m Gonna Walk, the latter benefitting from ‘copies closed’, i.e. all eyes on the conductor!

Chairman Ray Fearon expressed the choir’s deep-felt gratitude to Hilary for her dedication, her patience, and her skill in controlling her ‘35 chaps’ whom she earlier described as ‘like a family’. Three founder members presented gifts and flowers. Then there was a final surprise for the conductor as the planned encore, Shalom, became instead For She’s a Jolly Good Fellow sung with feeling by all present. Hilary, we shall miss you. Thank you for 27 wonderful years.