Sierra Nevada Winds Orchestra
Tuesday 28th June, 2016 - 8:24pmLast Friday at St. Mary's Church in Penzance, Mousehole Male Voice Choir and the Sierra Nevada Wind Orchestra gave the Golowan Gala Concert to a packed audience. The 40 strong orchestra, under the guidance of Musical Director Dr. Robert Halseth, came over from California with a musical pedigree that is known worldwide. Formed 26 years ago they demand and achieve the highest possible standards with their playing. They have a waiting list of talented musicians who wish to join their midst and from the outset of this concert it became clear why.
Opening with a tribute to the music of Aaron Copeland the orchestra captivated the audience. From the striking percussion to the woodwind and brass sections, the tightness and control was evident throughout. Their second set included The Cowboy by John Williams and a beautiful version of Claude Smith's Eternal Father which featured the Buccas Four Quartet. The rich vocals from the four-part harmony singers blended beautifully with the orchestra.
Inspired by their Californian cousins, Mousehole gave a superb performance, highlighting everything that is good about a Cornish Male Voice Choir. The acoustics in St. Mary's are perfect and the 80 strong choir love singing there. Their own woodwind orchestra …Maureen Nicholls …played the flute quite beautifully during Flying Free and the Celtic song of celebration, Riversong. Other highlights from Mousehole's first set were Fly Me To The Moon and Morte Christe.
The orchestra continued with the rousing The Stars and Stripes which featured a brilliant trio of piccolos and some wonderful trumpet arrangements. Mousehole's second set saw Clive Gronow playing his ukulele in Over the Rainbow with far more passion and skill than his Welsh counterparts managed in New Zealand. The choir also sang Hallelujah, Rock Island Line and finished inspired and in majestic form …like Eddie Jones's boys in Australia …with We Rise Again.
The climax of the concert came with the orchestra and choir joining together to perform Gwahoddiad. 40 Americans and 80 Cornishmen blended beautifully for a spine tingling finale. A perfect end to a really excellent evening. The choir will be back at St. Mary's Church on August 7th for their Summer Festival concert which will feature the return of Faryl Smith. Faryl is a hugely popular and talented soprano and her last CD topped the album charts. Why not follow us on Facebook too - https://www.facebook.com/MouseholeMaleVoiceChoir/
We look forward to seeing you.
