Sounds of Southwark

September 24: CMVC delighted throngs of Saturday shoppers and tourists around Southwark before, during and after their lunchtime performance in the cathedral on September 23.

The choir at Southwark Cathedral (photo JWT)

They started in front of the historic Globe pub in Borough Market where a huge crowd soon gathered around, entranced by selection of songs included the dramatic Nessun Dorma. The choir moved on to the Golden Hinde where hats and a pirate flag were produced to accompany a couple of rollicking sea shanties.

The main event was in the glorious Southwark Cathedral where a packed crowd had assembled, some tempted in by what they’d heard outside. The choir were delighted to see former MD and assistant MD Richard Hoyle and Darren Wilkins, who’d come to hear the choir for the first time under the baton of Matthew Quinn.

The first set covered showtunes and popular songs including Anthem from Chess, Robbie Williams’ Angels and Dylan’s Make You Feel My Love.

The second set of spirituals included Joshua Fought the Battle of Jericho. Richard and Darren were particularly impressed by the arrangement by Roger Pinsent, Richard’s successor and Matthew’s predecessor as the choir’s MD.

In between the sets, choir accompanist and accomplished organist Sam Prouse renewed his acquaintance with the historic Southwark organ and entertained the audience with atmospheric pieces such as Elgar’s Nimrod.

Sam remained at the console for the final set where both he and the choir could let rip with some male choir classics. The magnificent cathedral acoustic soon resounded to the Hallelujah Chorus and Morte Criste, concluding with the climactic Gwahoddiad amens.

The choir were far from finished as many retired to the Mudlark pub next door, together with numbers of the audience. Under the shadow of the cathedral, the pub garden proved perfect both to slake thirsts and to entertain passing tourists with two more hours of singing.

Report by Dave Bannister