Splendid summer concert ends season

July 16: The choir staged its summer concert at Shirley Methodist Church on Friday (July 14), winning applause and enthusiasm for a spirited performance which demonstrated the elevated levels it has reached with its new music director, Matthew Quinn.

CMVC summer concert: new levels with music director Matthew Quinn (photo Leni Gillman)

The choir sang 15 pieces from its current repertoire, including its first Croydon performance of Bob Dylan’s Make You Feel My Love.  Other highlights included a rousing Nessun Dorma and, as a jovial encore, Song of the Jolly Roger.

The choir octet – singing with two guest members – sang Cavatina and Sunset Poem.  The solo spot was taken by G&S enthusiast Clive Bebee, who gave his usual hyper-dramatic performance of six pieces.

There was widespread praise after the concert.  Former bass member Aussie Jon Evans, making a UK summer visit, said that the choir had reached “a whole new level” under its new MD. 

Banners leads spirited Crown après

The concert was followed by a spirited après session at the nearby Crown, under the baton of Dave “Banners” Bannister. The choir won further rapturous applause, with many of the pub’s clientele joining in.

The previous evening, at the conclusion of the last full rehearsal before the summer break, Matthew told the choir how much he had enjoyed his first year as music director, and praised the choir for its enthusiasm and commitment.  Several soloists who had performed remarked that it rated among their best gigs for sheer enjoyment and a sense of fun.

Choir chair Kim Ormond told Matthew that the choir had reached a whole new dimension under his direction as its new music director.  There was a stirring round of applause choir for Matthew and accompanist Sam Prouse, also completing his first year with the choir.

The choir has now started its summer break, with Thursday après rehearsals at Sandilands (8pm-9pm) and Friday beer and ditty sessions at local pubs continuing.  It returns to full rehearsals on September 7.

It is already preparing for an Open Evening which will be held on Thursday October 19 – the centre-point in a recruitment campaign which will start in earnest in August.  Watch this page for further details.