Christmas Concert for Hospice at Home

Dalston Male Voice Choir sang their hearts out at the Christmas Concert held in St Andrew’s Church, Penrith under the musical direction of Michael Deakin. The Concert was organised by Hospice at Home Carlisle and North Lakeland to raise vital funds to enable them to provide palliative care in North Cumbria. The Charity which was formed in 1997 is delighted to be celebrating 20 years of service.

The choir commenced its performance with an arrangement by Emrys Williams of ‘Autumn Leaves’ and they continued the evening with songs such as ‘Water of Tyne’, Charles Aznavour’s ‘She’ and an arrangement by R Barnes of ‘Rhythm of Life’. This ended the first session of the choir’s magnificent music.

The choir supports young talent and this evening we were entertained by a young soloist, student Kasia Davies ARSM who attends the Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, Penrith, and is currently in her final year of A-Levels. Kasia has been playing the violin for 9 years and enjoys taking part in musical activities both in and out of school. Kasia delighted the people present playing the first movement of Mozart’s ‘Coin’.

After Kasia’s performance, the choir resumed their performance with ‘Let it Snow’, ‘Te Laudomus’, ‘Suo Gan’ and ‘Do you Hear What I Hear?’ which led to Kasia’s second appearance playing pieces by Brahms, Bach and Sarasate. Kasia is undoubtedly a talented young violinist who obviously enjoys the whole experience playing with feeling and passion.

The Dalston Male Voice Choir then commenced their third and final session with a medieval carol ‘Gaudete’ followed by ‘Infant Holy’, ‘Oh Mary. Where is your Baby?’ and finally ‘Winter Wonderland’. This was a fitting finale to an evening of music and song on a cold winter’s night but the warmth and ambiance of St Andrew’s Church made up for the chill outside.

The accompanists playing the piano were Lorraine Gash for the Choir and Daniel Roberts for Kasia Davies both of whom enhanced the whole experience of a wonderful evening’s entertainment.

Julie Blundell, Fundraising and Marketing Manager said “We are absolutely thrilled to once again receive support from our friends from the Dalston Male Voice Choir - Hospice at Home are very fortunate to receive continuous commitment from the Choir on a regular basis”. Julie added “I was fortunate to be at the Concert and had a thoroughly enjoyable occasion, the performances were truly magnificent with a variety of songs presented, the event was magical and a wonderful start to the festive season. The funds raised will provide many hours of nursing care for local patients and families in the north and east of Cumbria. Thank you to all who took part and to the Penrith Area Volunteer Group for their generosity in organising this fundraising occasion!”

The concert was kindly sponsored by Trade Copiers, Penrith