Hilary's Boys – A Celebration

In Dalston Hilary's Boys means one thing: Dalston Male Voice Choir, founded in 1985 and also directed, for its first 27 years, by Hilary Hodgson who died in February. This concert was a fitting celebration of her musical legacy and a chance to share many anecdotes.

From the moment the men marched up the aisle to the rousing Stouthearted Men, the choir's first signature tune, we knew we were in for an afternoon of melody but also nostalgia.

Michael Williams introduced the varied programme which included many numbers sung from memory, allowing the choir to engage confidently with the audience and with director Michael Deakin at all times.

Morte Christe, Autumn Leaves and Old Time Religion demonstrated the choir's good balance, the latter featuring lovely tumbling phrases from accompanist Lorraine Gash.

Former choir member Peter Jones delighted us with his authentic Tyneside songs, and the choir's skilful barber shop quartet, Close Shave, complete with straw boaters and waistcoats, illustrated just what fun can be had making music together.

The encore, Softly as I leave You, was most poignant, but above all we were left feeling grateful that this popular choir lives on. Current members come from far and wide and the choir always welcomes new recruits.