St Kentigern's Church, Irthington

Following last year’s concert from Dalston’s Ladies Choir, Irthington was the willing host for a return concert, this time from the locally renowned Male Voice Choir under the musical direction of Michael Deakin. The concert provided a warm mix of well-known standards, traditional, classical and modern that perfectly matched the beautiful church setting.

The evening began with an arrangement of Irving Berlin’s “Let’s Face the Music”, one of two pieces sung without music, followed by the lilting “Slow Train” by Flanders and Swann which hinted of a bygone age of travel. The traditional north eastern tune “Water of Tyne” brought the first chance for the choir to reveal the depth and strength of talent across the sections before an emotive version of “Nessun Dorma” gave way to the first of two sections from young soloist Allisa Moore. Allisa’s performance showed an unexpected strength and range with a mix of traditional works and Disney songs. Clearly one to watch.

The choirs second set included a jazz gospel version of “Where could I go but to the Lord” showing the musical range of the choir but it was their version of Charles Aznavour’s “She” that proved the highlight of the night. The choir showed excellent balance with complicated harmonies across the section with a confident and believable delivery.

Later pieces included Welsh choir standards, beautifully and accurately sung in Welsh. These were brave choices which can show the strength in a choir, but also show any weaknesses. The Dalston choir proved that they had none. Note must be given to the deft comparing of choir member Dave Woods and the excellent accompanying of Lorraine Gash whose playing showed the choir to their best.