As part of our 80th Anniversary celebrations we were pleased to be performing once again with the Derbyshire Community Male Voice Choir. This is a return match after we performed with them and four other Derbyshire choirs in Derby Cathedral last summer and it was a truly uplifting experience.
The opportunity to hear these two choirs together was enhanced by the fact that some of the songs performed by Mansfield & DMVC were previews of those to be sung by the Mansfield Choir at The Royal Albert Hall, London on 27th April. Our Mansfield choir is delighted to be selected for the fourth time as one of only three English choirs to perform at The Festival of Massed Male Voices comprising 650 choristers from 23 choirs: an honour indeed.
The two male voice choirs were ably contrasted by Sempre (Italian for “Always”) who are six ladies, all friends, who just love singing. Last year they celebrated 30 years together and their talent shows through, no pretentious antics, no stage hugging, just honest, characterful and well delivered harmonies and complex arrangements which delight their audiences every time they perform.
The programme for the evening was most diverse, ranging from songs by Ed Sheeran, Smokey Robinson, Welsh pieces, and classic male voice standards- a true kaleidoscope of music, and it is this variety of entertainment which keeps our audiences returning. Perfect (the Ed Sheeran song) was arranged by Louise Buxton the talented accompanist for the Derbyshire choir and represents the best in modern music which all male choirs now include in their repertoire. We provided contrast with “Ar Hyd Y Nos”, “Yfory” and “Gweddi Affricanaidd” (African Prayer) as did Sempre with a brilliant arrangement of “Pie Jesu” and my favourite of the evening “A Night Like This”.
Jonathan Baker of A W Lymn (The family funeral service), as a mark of congratulation and for our support in some of their services, presented us with tie clips which commemorate our 80-year history.
The logo was designed, and the tie clips sourced, by Kelly Grey, owner of Huntress Promotional Merchandise and they look really good, shining against our choir ties. Jonathan was most professional and compassionate about the choir’s continuous contribution to wellbeing in our community and that it is these values which mirror the objectives of A W Lymm in their business – a symbiotic relationship. Many thanks to Kelly and Jonathan for their support and involvement.
L to R: Jonathan Baker, Geoff Hursthouse (Choir Chairman), Kelly Grey, Geoff Mansfield (Publicity Officer), David Marriott, Choir president).
To his great surprise, during the evening, Keith Turner was presented with a certificate in celebration of 20 years’ membership and involvement in the choir. Keith is a staunch baritone and can always be relied upon for a kind word, friendliness and commitment to performance. We greatly value his involvement together with his wife Mary who is always active in our choir Supporters’ Group.
Our thanks must also go to our choir President, Mr. David Marriott and his church team at All Saints Church, Clipstone., The church is a super concert venue and we are always made most welcome by the congregation and the stalwart helpers who work hard to make the concerts a success. The behind-the-scenes workers in our Supporters’ Group, Concert and Publicity managers and Treasury all warrant thanks.
I can’t finish this piece without mentioning the passionate (I really mean this) leadership of Ian Grice, our Musical Director. Supported by both Margaret and Maureen our accompanists, we would not have the choir we have today without their never ending preparation and attention to detail. Facebook reports, what’s app messages, verbal acclamation all stem from Ian’s guidance and total commitment – we love it Ian and long may it continue.
We, of course, love performing, and this continued at the afterglow in Clipstone Welfare where both male choirs gave even more to round off the event. There is no better way to spend a Saturday evening. – fabulous.
Great night was had by all. Lovely tie pins. Well done Keith for your long and professional membership.
Keep singing boys.
Thrilled to be part of a wonderful evening. Enjoyed singing in preparation for our forthcoming participation at the Royal Concert Hall in Hall in April.
What a great evening, so glad it went smoothly and whole heartedly agree with all the report by Geoff. Well done to all.
This covered the main points of the evening Geoff and all performances were brilliant. Can we congratulate Phil Millns on his able and organised marshalling, it ain’t easy! At the ‘second’ concert, or afterglow as it is known, not only were both choir’s members singing, but our supporters knew the words too. That means a great deal if they are not tired of our bathroom singing yet!
A very entertaining evening with the contrasting styles of two male voice choirs and the delightful, accomplished singing of Sempre. It was great to be able to enjoy listening to the other participants whilst knowing that MDMVC was singing at its best. African Prayer was superbly sung.
Well done everyone.
Perfect cover Geoff.
An amazing night to remember!
It was lovely hearing Sempre again and DCMVC (Derby) show their fantastic performances and humour.
Yfory and African prayer put the cherry on top for me.
Brilliant evening fantastic a pleasure to be part of. 🙂👍👍
A very enjoyable concert thank you, with a variety of musical styles & lovely harmonies from all 3 choirs taking part.
Many congratulations to all Musical Directors, accompanists & singers.
What a brilliant night. First one this year and did we know it. All the rehearsing was justifiably rewarded by this exuberant performance. Much praise was bestowed upon us by the audience who showed their appreciation by the ovation at the end. Food and drink was supplied at half time thanks to the team from All Saints and an “afterglow” was well attended at Clipstone Welfare.
I know this was a joint effort by many within the choir but praise must be bestowed upon our MD Mr Ian Grice for his unwavering efforts throughout the year to get us to the standard we are at today. Thank you.
A well worked evening from all the ladies and gentlemen involved which allowed some exceptional sounds from the choirs. From the reaction from everyone just proves rehearsals that puts “P” in perfection….