Methodist Church, Kirkoswald

A large, appreciative audience helped to bring the best out of Dalston Male Voice choir in an evening of song recently at Kirkoswald Methodist Church. The 27 strong choir was conducted by Michael Deakin, who has been their Musical Director since Hilary Hodgson retired in 2011, and it was clear from their performance that they respond well to the enthusiasm and expertise of his leadership.

The varied programme began with ‘It's a Grand Night for Singing’ from’ State Fair’ by Rogers and Hammerstein followed by ‘ The Ash Grove’, a Welsh air which exhibited the clever music arranging skills of the MD, to suit his choir. Both pieces were sung with precision and a good balance of sound between the parts.

The choir was accompanied by talented pianist Lorraine Gash, who has been with them many years and it is evident during this time that a great rapport has developed between herself and the choir . The announcer Michael Williams also played a special part enhancing the evening with entertaining links between the various pieces of music.

The ever popular ‘Yesterday’ by Lennon and McCartney was beautifully articulated and sung with tenderness and feeling; as was ‘The Rose’ by Amanda McBroom .The choir’s ability to sing in various languages was ably portrayed in ‘Tydi A Roddaist’ with accents equal to any good Welsh choir and the syncopation and rhythms in the ‘African Trilogy’ proved a light, foot tapping addition to the programme.

The choir have a policy of encouraging young musical talent and this concert included two slots from Andrew Caton on guitar, a 6th former at QEGS Penrith. His style, a mix of classical and rhythm guitar with a modern twist is very individual and inspired by the great Australian guitar genius, Tommy Emmanuel. He began with the well known tune ‘Mombasa’, which was amazing . His proficient vocal talent was also showcased in ‘ I’ve got a Friend in you’ as were his mature writing and composition skills in two other pieces. He was truly inspirational.

In the second half the choir pieces ranged from a light hearted rendition of ‘Old McDonald had a Farm’, which made the audience chuckle to the more serious Speed your Journey (Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves) by Verdi which continued to show the choir’s versatility. They sang together, listening to each other to blend into that wonderful rich sound that you expect from a fine male voice choir.

Our thanks go to the choir for a superb evening of music and entertainment. The most apparent thing about this group of men is the clearly evident delight they get from singing, sending their audiences home uplifted and with a song in their hearts.