CMVC flies with Swifts in Essex
Croydon MVC delighted a packed Essex audience when it shared a concert with the Swift Singers ladies’ choir in South Woodham Ferrers on Saturday April 28. The Croydon men and Essex women sang separate programmes of four numbers each and then formed a 100-plus choir onstage to end the concert with a rousing rendition of The Rhythm of Life.
MDs Hoyle (Croydon) and Smith (Swfits) share podium for final number (photo Sam Coley)
The Swifts' repertoire included One Moment in Time, Alexander's Ragtime Band, and Bob Dylan's To Make you Feel my Love. Croydon premiered three numbers, The Blue-Tailed Fly, The Hill and the ravishing Finlandia hymn, with a stunning solo part by accompanist Lana Bode. Between the choir performances, young cellist Rachael Bull showcased pieces by Saint-Saens and Shostakovich.
The two musical directors, Richard Hoyle (Croydon) and Clive Smith (Swifts), drew laughter when they alternated on the podium for the last number, The Rhythm of Life, before finally conducting it together. Afterwards Clive praised CMVC for its “incredible performance” which met the Croydon choir’s customary high standards.
CMVC braved bucketing rain for its venture into Essexland. After the concert the two choirs met for an ebullient “après” in a nearby hostelry, which terminated after 11pm. Highlights included the Swifts' California Dreaming and combined renditions of The Rose and Speed Your Journey.
Croydon choir chair Kimball Ormond commented: “It was a wonderful evening, with lovely singing from the ladies and their usual generous hospitality which made the Croydon gents feel utterly welcome, especially after the long drive from Surrey."
The joint concert, hosted by each choir in turn every two years, has become a fixture in the Croydon concert list. Kim said: "We are already looking forward to the return match in two years time.”
Sam Coley's photo shows Richard Hoyle and Clive Smith sharing the podium and a joke
Bernard Maguire leads the way at post-concert apres (Photo Phil Talmage)
The Swifts respond (while Ralph Osborne, back left, looks on) - (Photo Phil Talmage)