St Aidan's, Carlisle

From New Zealand to the USA, from France to the Waters of Tyne, the Dalston Male Voice Choir took us on an international musical journey, displaying ensemble-singing talent honed over their thirty plus year history. They presented Maori folk songs which started with a sort of choir Hakka (without the warlike expressions) and included a lovey solo line from Michael Deakin; the whole a choice to honour the homeland of Lorraine Gash their accompanist.

Spirituals and musical numbers from hit shows were presented with equal panache. In ‘The Rhythm of Life chorus’, never an easy sing, they maintained good separation of parts in the song’s complicated melody and counter melody.

Michael Deakin conducts with sensitivity to the mood of each piece, from the lilting syncopations of Give me that old time religion’ to the canonical ‘Waters of Tyne’, a beautiful arrangement well delivered. My particular favourite was "Morte Christe a piece particularly suited to the mellow blended voices of the men.

Between each choir set an additional treat were two solo sets by the fine baritone voice of ex-Carlisle cathedral chorister Jonathan Hill who is currently studying at the Royal Northern College of music. His deep love of that most English of composers Vaughan Williams was evident in his subtle renditions of The Vagabond, Let Beauty Awake and especially The Infinite Shining Heavens but he showed the sheer power of his voice in the sacred pieces Lord God of Abraham from "Elijah" and an excerpt from JS Bach’s Magnificat.

Going back to his roots both physically and musically I suspect. He has a real stage presence too. Watch out for more from this promising young singer. St Aidan’s church suffered during the floods of 2005 and 2015 however there is no sign of that now in the smart and comfortable refurbishment. The excellent piano was skilfully put through its paces by Lorraine Gash and Michael Deakin ( who kindly accompanied Jonathan), so a completely unamplified natural balance of volume was achieved. The high ceiling and stone walls give a wonderful acoustic setting for singers to enjoy and share the beauty of their own voices. It certainly showed off the rich tones and close harmonies so characteristic of this choir. We look forward to their return. Jean Hill

St Aidan’s church suffered during the floods of 2005 and 2015 however there is no sign of that now in the smart and comfortable refurbishment. The excellent piano was skilfully put through its paces by Lorraine Gash and Michael Deakin ( who kindly accompanied Jonathan), so a completely unamplified natural balance of volume was achieved.

The high ceiling and stone walls give a wonderful acoustic setting for singers to enjoy and share the beauty of their own voices. It certainly showed off the rich tones and close harmonies so characteristic of this choir. We look forward to their return.