Carlisle Cathedral

The Lunchtime Live performance at Carlisle Cathedral hosted the poplar Dalston Male Voice Choir, directed by Michael Deakin and accompanied by Lorraine Gash. The programme of eight songs included the well known, Non Nobis Domine, and the beautiful Morte Christe.

In lighter contrast 'Last of the summer wine' was instantly recognisable by its tune, but with words echoing memories of youthful days of summer voices when the wine was strong and free, it struck a chord with many of the audience I'm sure. In recognition of the First World War centenary, a medley of songs from that era left the audience silenced by its poignancy as the final words 'Til the boys come home' hung softly in the air.

The soloist was Michael Deakin, who started his musical career as a chorister and musical scholar at Carlisle Cathedral. He has the most beautiful voice and sang two pieces from 'A Shropshire Lad' by George Butterworth, The Lads in Their Hundreds, and Is My Team Ploughing; a delight to the ear.

The choir's clear diction was evident, especially on the softer notes, with an excellent tenor/bass balance; and its performance throughout was complemented with superb accompaniment by Lorraine Gash. The announcer Michael Williams was a delight, introducing items with light charm and humour. There is an obvious camaraderie between the choir, its Musical Director and accompanist. An open invitation is extended to any potential new member to sit in at a choir practice in Dalston Methodist Church each Sunday at 7.15pm.

The choir has a policy of encouraging young talent, so it was not unusual during the warming up session before the concert, to find young people from North Allerdale Development Trust (NADT), Wigton quietly recording and filming the activity as part of a World Film Collective course for local unemployed people aged 16-25; based on learning film making skills, directing, producing and editing etc. www.youtube.com/user/unconventionalmedia1