St. Michael's Church, Dalston

Dalston Male Voice Choir was once more in fine voice when they presented a well-balanced, festive programme at St. Michael’s Church, Dalston on Sunday 16th December. In the capable hands of musical director Michael Deakin and ably accompanied, as ever, by Lorraine Gash, the choir produced a full, resonant sound.

Their versatility was displayed through songs that were both accompanied and unaccompanied, ranging from mediaeval to modern. Diction was excellent throughout and, despite one or two less secure moments, the choir responded well to the conductor’s ‘baton’, showing pleasing attention to phrasing and articulation.

In particular, the unaccompanied arrangement of ‘Lily of the Valley’ was very polished; pitch was always well focused and there were some delightful dynamic contrasts with the soft, sustained passages, for which this choir is renowned, in evidence.

The clearly punctuated words of Mary’s Boy Child were very effective and the choir’s rich, harmonious blend of voices here was enhanced in the choruses by the organ accompaniment provided by choir-member David Spratt.

Overall, the balance of parts was splendid. In the Coventry Carol and Infant Holy, however, the tenor descant tended to overshadow the bass melody line somewhat.

Dalston Handbell Ringers were guest performers. They played a good variety of pieces, maintaining a steady pulse throughout and paying attention to dynamic effects.

A short medley of carols provided an uplifting conclusion to a wonderful afternoon and sent the audience home wreathed in smiles.