Croydon boys score with Essex girls
The choir enjoyed a brilliant return to Essex on Saturday, singing with the Swift Singers in South Woodham Ferrers and thus renewing a musical partnership that now stretches back for a decade or more.
CMVC sings Hallelujah Chorus in Essex
The respective male and female choirs shared the stage at South Woodham Ferrers Trinity Church on April 23, each singing eight numbers of their own and then coming together for two combined numbers: Dona Nobis Pacem at the end of the first half and Ave Maria/I Believe to finish the concert.
A packed audience gave CMVC resounding applause for its renditions of Nessun Dorma and The Hallelujah Chorus. And it laughed in delight at the cross-dressing version of I Feel Pretty featuring bass Mike Sharpling, resplendent in pink dress and blond wig.
Mike Sharpling wows with 'I Feel Pretty'
The respective male and female choirs shared the stage at South Woodham Ferrers Trinity Church on April 23, each singing eight numbers of their own and then coming together for two combined numbers: Dona Nobis Pacem at the end of the first half and Ave Maria/I Believe to finish the concert.
A packed audience gave CMVC resounding applause for its renditions of Nessun Dorma and The Hallelujah Chorus. And it laughed in delight at the cross-dressing version of I Feel Pretty featuring bass Mike Sharpling, resplendent in pink dress and blond wig.
The two choirs combine to sing 'Dona Nobis Pacem' (Photos: Paul Binge)
The Swift Singers achieved two firsts on the night: their first public performance since Covid and their first with new music director Tim Rhys-Morgan. Their versions of Scarborough Fair and You Raise Me Up were especially effective, winning cheers from the watching CMVC contingent.
Afterwards the two choirs repaired to the Village Hall where both were in fine voice for a series of après numbers, the CMVC team greatly refreshed by both the beer and the lavish buffet laid on by the Essex ladies. CMVC eventually headed for home at 11.20pm, looking forward to the next meet-up when it will be hosting the Swifts in Croydon.