Thanks for the memories

November 21 Banners writes:  The choir were delighted to support the wonderful charity Memory Box Cafe at a concert in Emmanuel Church, West Wickham on Saturday 19th November.

Packed audience for CMVC Memory Box concert

The choir opened the concert to a packed audience with the dramatic Anthem from the musical Chess and Robat Arwyn's Guardian Angel. This was contrasted by the sombre Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen in which the choir were joined by the violin soloist Lizz Lipscombe.

Violinist Lizz

The audience were transfixed by how well the violin tones and Lizz’s improvisation complemented the choir‘s expressive performance. They were next treated to Lizz’s solo set which included Nigel Hess’s melodic Ladies in Lavender and the explosive Czardas by Vittorio Monti.  Lizz joined the choir again in their next set, blending with accompanist Sam Prouse’s accomplished piano-playing for Bob Dylan’s Make You Feel My Love.

After the interval the choir’s songs ranged from the modern A Million Dreams to the ultra-traditional male voice classic Gwahoddiad. Lizz’s second set played tribute to her love of jazz and her hero Stéphane Grappelli.

Dedicated Memory Box worker Lyn Eustace thanked the choir and Lizz for their contribution to a wonderful evening and requested one more song. Choir and Lizz combined again for the haunting Ashokan Farewell. 

Memory Box events traditionally conclude with a rendition of Bring Me Sunshine. As the choir and audience sang along, diminutive second tenor Vic Wallace belied his 89 years and danced down the aisle in the style of Morecambe and Wise, followed more sedately by the choir, all to rapturous applause.

The evening was still not finished as the choir, Lizz and her violin repaired to the The Railway pub. There the locals were amazed and impressed by further choir and violin duets until near closing time.