Grassington Singers bathed in Autumn Gold

A review by Ed Williams for the Craven Herald

The programme started trippingly with The Ascot Gavotte from My Fair Lady, with sound effects we were transported to the course itself. We then sweltered in the heat of Too Damn Hot! Difficult harmonies ands complicated rhythms were well controlled by energetic conductor Sarah Churcher. We were then treated to a duet from Helen Marston and Jane Scott who gave an empathetic rendering of I Know Him so well with superbly understated accompaniment from Martyn White.

The Singers returned smoothly with the classic Something Stupid – the main tune carried well by the tenors and basses. Mark Cahill then introduced the Aireborough Singers and spoke at length about himself, the choir and the next item You Raise me up. The audience were certainly raised up by the lyrical performance with some delicate dynamics. They followed with a merry Madrigal from the Mikado. All parts were clearly delivered and knitted well together. Grassington Singers finished the first half with two contrasting sacred pieces by Palestrina and Vivaldi. The highlight was the exuberant singing of Vivaldi’s Gloria.

After a very English cream tea we were transported to the West Coast of the USA with Good Vibrations. After more background from Mr. Cahill we enjoyed Aireborough’s Bring Him Home from Les Mis which floated across the audience. We were then driven on by John Rutter’s The Music’s Always There. This fast-flowing piece was a superb contrast and the choir delivered Rutter’s harmonies with aplomb.

Grassington Singers rounded off the afternoon with Sail on Boys from Operation Mincemeat and Come What May from Moulin Rouge. These were a superb end to the afternoon with the Grassington Singers at their best. All together a very entertaining afternoon with two community choirs who showed what is possible with some hard work, a good conductor, fine accompaniment and love of music.