Paul Feast 2015

Thursday 15th October, 2015 - 10:53am


Mousehole male voice choir. Paul Feast concert. Sunday Oct. 11th

By Douglas Williams

 
It has been a hectic few weeks for many singers in the Mousehole Male Voice Choir. After the return of many members from the large all-Cornish Trelawny Choir's successful Canadian tour, over 60 Mousehole men went on a four-concert musical trip to the Peak District under their musical director Stephen Lawry.

What a welcome they all had, everywhere they went. And on Sunday (Oct 11th) the West Cornwall lads were 'back home' singing at Feast time in their annual concert in aid of their Paul church where many summertime rehearsals take place.

Their supporters were out in strength to greet them, and their guests, the Torpoint Lady Singers, in this joyful and vibrant celebration in harmony.

It was a very happy and exuberant programme with contrasts from 'Delilah' and 'All that Jazz' to 'Praise to the Living God' and the triumphant finale 'We Rise Again'.

Annette Turton (piano) and John Harry (organ) were the 'home' accompanists with the ladies conducted by Sylvia Fraser and accompanied by Sue Westwell.

The guest choir, some 20-strong, was formed in 1988, and has raised thousands of pounds for charity. Their motto is 'In Cornwall, in Chorus' and lived up to this with their opening group of songs from the sea varying from the jolly 'Skippers of St Ives' to the 'Skye Boat Song' and were later heard in fine voice in 'Who Can I Turn To' and 'Wonderful World'.

They presented their choir pennant to their hosts, now one of England's largest choirs, who performed with confidence and verve in such excellent numbers as 'Flying Free' when they were joined by guest flautist Maureen Nicholls, in 'Lean on Me' with tenor soloist David Evans and in the Celtic celebration 'Riversong'.

Their selections combined fine singing and rhythm with confidence and enthusiasm. As Mr Lawry commented "It is always a joy to sing in this wonderful church".

He added "We have had a wonderful reception for the new pieces in the choir repertoire this year. As has been the case recently we have been delighted to be supported with sponsorship for much of our new music".

There had been success with their CDs 'Christmas with Mousehole' that included Cornish and more widely-known carols, and 'From Cornish Cliffs' with its wide and representative choice, as well as a 90-minute DVD combining song with scenes of the beautiful coast and inshore and Mousehole's celebrated harbour lights.

Opening their contribution at Paul with the challenging "Wade on Water" the Mousehole men had many highlights in this 90-minute non-stop programme that delighted their supporters. They will sing with Mevagissey male voice choir at Chapel Street Methodist church, Penzance, on Saturday October 24.

There were thanks to all from Mousehole chairman Charles Law and a final blessing by Priest-in-charge Revd Andrew Yates. The choir's Christmas concert at Paul church is on Monday December 21. The 'switch-on of the lights is on Saturday December 12 and Tom Bawcock's Eve on December 23.



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