St. Barnabas Church Carlisle

It was a Grand Night for Singing at St. Barnabas in Carlisle last Saturday. That was the opening number and it set the tone for a richly varied and beautifully sung programme by the excellent Dalston Male Voice Choir.

There were Welsh Songs, songs from the Shows, nostalgic songs from World War One, a wonderful rendering of the Spiritual, "Where could I go but to the Lord" and many other styles of song too numerous to mention.

Young solo singer Alissa Moore displayed a nicely developing voice and some sensitive expression in her two solo spots the highlight being a beautiful performance of the Clare Blessing by Rutter ably assisted at the piano by Michael Deakin who spent the rest of the evening in front of the choir conducting them with great clarity, artistry and inspiration.

The choir produced the most beautiful mellifluous tone and got deep into the heart of every piece they sang. Special mention must be made of Lorraine Gash who accompanied the choir impeccably throughout the evening. Her performance was totally at one with choir and conductor. The evening built up to a thrilling climax with chorus of the Hebrew Slaves from Nabucco by Verdi.

A truly memorable evening which was the final concert of the year in this beautiful Art Deco church which is so comfortable and which has the most superb acoustic. The post concert supper was of the highest quality. A new series of concerts will begin next April. Watch this space.