Croydon mayor thrills to concert

Mayor Avril Slipper and husband Harry at Sanderstead concert

Croydon's mayor, Councillor Avril Slipper, praised the Croydon choir when she attended its concert at the United Reformed Church, Sanderstead, on Saturday March 26.

Cllr Slipper said during the interval that the choir was "marvellous" and "wonderful".  She was particularly impressed by the choir's ability to learn and remember so many songs.

Choir chair Kimball Ormond greets mayor and consort at Sanderstead.

Cllr Slipper had last attended a choir concert some 15 years ago.  She commented on how much larger the choir is now.

 A 200-strong audience heard the choir perform its usual diverse repertoire. This included a first outing for Days of Wine and Roses, arranged by Roy Thackray.   Roy was in the audience and took a bow and a round of applause.  

Arranger Roy Thackray at Sanderstead

There was special praise too for CMVC pianist Lana Bode.  This came from soloist soprano Ann-Louise Straker, who dazzled the audience with her virtuoso singing.  Ann-Louise, who is a CMVC favourite,  commented that she was now able to sing some of her more demanding pieces because Lana could meet their complex technical challenges.