Choir serenades new mayor
MAY 27: CMVC performed at the inauguration ceremony for Croydon’s new mayor, Wayne Trakas-Lawlor, at Fairfields Halls on Thursday May 26. The choir sang in the concert-hall foyer as the mayor made his entrance and then formally greeted his guests in the reception area at the top of the stairs.
Mayor Wayne and partner Michael with the choir at the mayor's inauguration dinner
The choir sang for a total of one hour, with one five-minute break. It delivered several rousing pieces to suit the politics of the occasion – the new mayor is from the Labour Party – including African Prayer and Ain’t Gonna Study War No More.
CMVC in full voice, conducted by Darren, as guests pass through guard of honour before being greeted by mayor
The mayor – Croydon’s first openly-gay mayor – was accompanied by his partner, Michael Trakas, who applauded the choir after the pair had posed for photographs with the choir en route to the inaugural dinner. Later the mayor posted these thanks to the choir:
“Gentlemen, many thanks again for your performance at The Mayor's inaugural dinner last night. You were all outstanding and we appreciated it so much.”
Another angle on the choir - photo by Leni Gillman