Archive Concert News Articles
Saturday May 19th
With the Horbury Singers
Ossett, Nr Wakefield, S.Yorkshire
The Horbury Ladies officially welcomed the recently appointed Lord Mayor, who was attending his third official engagement of his year and was accompanied by his 18 year old grand-daughter the youngest Lady Mayoress Wakefield has ever had.
The Horbury Singers, with their Musical Director Edward Whelan and accompanied by Ruth Strydom started the concert singing a beautiful song “Flying Free”, followed by “Cross the wide Missouri” and a popular Drifters number “Under the Board Walk” that even included movement.
“The Seal Lullaby” was based on a Kipling poem and was sung beautifully and this was followed by “Didn’t it Rain” (arranged by Michael Neaum) brought their set of songs to a close. The subject of that closing song was doubtless far from everyone’s minds on this beautiful May springtime evening,
The Dalesmen then took to the stage to sing five pieces, “It’s a Grand Night Night for Singing”, “Anthem”, “Do you hear the People sing”, “Bring Him Home” and “What Would I Do Without My Music”.
Refreshments of soft drinks and crisps were served to everyone and there was lively chatter between both choirs and their audience.
Back in our seats, the Dalesmen commenced the second half with “When he Saints Go Marching in” followed by “The Rose” (which was dedicated to the Horbury Ladies) and “American Trilogy” was then followed by “The Gospel Train”. John Lloyd once again conducted the choir for this rendition but he made sure that Paul Marshall had this time left him the music!
“The Rhythm of Life” brought The Dalesmen’s part of the concert to an end.
A Hal David and Burt Bacharach song “Close to You” was the first choice of the Horbury Ladies followed by a beautiful song “The Water of Tyne” which described a love across a river.
Edward Whelan then introduced the next piece as one that could be describing a playground. You can have a see saw and a climbing frame but “It Don’t Mean A Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing” ……
a great link to their next song.
“And So It Goes” composed and sung by Billy Joel , is also familiar to the Dalesmen as they are currently in the process of rehearsing it and the ladies finished their part of the concert with “Ride the Chariot” which included a superb solo.
The combined choirs completed the concert with “You Raise Me Up”.
What an end to a memorable day!
But in fact it was not the end as we boarded the Slack’s Coach that would take us to a local venue who supplied us with a Pie and Peas supper. There was plenty to talk about with the Horbury Ladies as they are really looking forward to coming to Derbyshire for a weekend later in the year to sing at St. Peters Church, Belper and although it had been a long day, there was a lot of laughter and banter going on.
A Concert for the Sozein Trust
Saturday May 12th
Horsley Woodhouse Church Hall
With Tom Corfield at the Keyboard the choir opened the concert with “It’s a Grand Night for Singing”, “The Anthem” from Chess and their two favourites from Les Miserables “Do You Hear The People Sing” & “Bring Him Home”.
Alicia Khan, who had been Highly Commended at this year’s Dalesmen Student award competition, delighted the audience with a beautiful solo “Poor Wandering One” from the Pirates of Penzance. Paul Marshall played the accompaniment.
The Dalesmen followed this with “I Write the Songs” and “What would I do without my music”. Another solo followed by Ossie reed who sang “Navana” accompanied by Bill Templeman. “Walk Away” , “Bridge Over Troubled Water” and “Softly as I Leave You” brought the first part of the concert to a close.
For the second half the choir started with “When the Saints Go Marching In”, “You’ll Never Walk Alone”, “Morte Criste” and “American Trilogy”.
Dave Weston sang solo with “The Water is Wide”, accompanied by Bill Templeman and this was followed by Paul Sheward who sang “River Stay Away From My Door”.
Alicia Khan then returned to perform “Loves Philosophy” and the choir followed this by singing “Sloop John B”.
John Lloyd, Deputy Musical Director then took the conductor’s baton to direct the choir for “The Gospel Train”. The concert continued with “The Rose”, “You Raise Me Up” and finally “The Rhythm of Life” brought the evening to a close.
Terry Chell.Dalesmen MVC Chairman and also Chairman of the Sozein Trust was celebrating his birthday and was given a rousing rendition of “Happy Birthday”.
Alicia Khan was presented with a bouquet of flowers on behalf of the members of the choir. She thanked
the Dalesmen for giving her the opportunity to perform with them.
Saturday May 12th
Horsley Woodhouse Church Hall
With Tom Corfield at the Keyboard the choir opened the concert with “It’s a Grand Night for Singing”, “The Anthem” from Chess and their two favourites from Les Miserables “Do You Hear The People Sing” & “Bring Him Home”.
Alicia Khan, who had been Highly Commended at this year’s Dalesmen Student award competition, delighted the audience with a beautiful solo “Poor Wandering One” from the Pirates of Penzance. Paul Marshall played the accompaniment.
The Dalesmen followed this with “I Write the Songs” and “What would I do without my music”. Another solo followed by Ossie reed who sang “Navana” accompanied by Bill Templeman. “Walk Away” , “Bridge Over Troubled Water” and “Softly as I Leave You” brought the first part of the concert to a close.
For the second half the choir started with “When the Saints Go Marching In”, “You’ll Never Walk Alone”, “Morte Criste” and “American Trilogy”.
Dave Weston sang solo with “The Water is Wide”, accompanied by Bill Templeman and this was followed by Paul Sheward who sang “River Stay Away From My Door”.
Alicia Khan then returned to perform “Loves Philosophy” and the choir followed this by singing “Sloop John B”.
John Lloyd, Deputy Musical Director then took the conductor’s baton to direct the choir for “The Gospel Train”. The concert continued with “The Rose”, “You Raise Me Up” and finally “The Rhythm of Life” brought the evening to a close.
Terry Chell.Dalesmen MVC Chairman and also Chairman of the Sozein Trust was celebrating his birthday and was given a rousing rendition of “Happy Birthday”.
Alicia Khan was presented with a bouquet of flowers on behalf of the members of the choir. She thanked
the Dalesmen for giving her the opportunity to perform with them.
An evening of songs at St Michael and All Angels Church, Penkridge
Saturday April 15th
to raise funds for the restoration of a very special Church Organ
The organ in the church of St Michael, Penkridge, is in a very frail state. It is a very rare example of a virtually unmodified 19th century instrument and the organ restoration appeal committee aim to rectify this so that the organ can once again enhance worship, family occasions and the enjoyment of music.
The enjoyment of music was certainly the aim of tonight’s concert and with the choir in place, Paul Marshall announced to the audience how much the choir had been looking forward to the evening and returning to this fabulous venue.
The concert commenced with songs from Rodgers and Hammerstein’s ‘State Fair’ (It’s a Grand Night for Singing) from the musical Chess (Anthem) and two songs from Les Miserables (Do You Hear the People Sing and Bring Him Home).
There would be four soloists singing during the evening, the first being John England performing an aria in German from Wagner’s 1845 Opera Tannhäuser based on two German legends, a medieval poet and the tale of the Wartburg Song Contest.
The next soloist, Ossie Rees chose one of Arnold Hartshorn’s favourite songs “How Lovely Is Thy Dwelling Place” from Psalm 84 with music by Samuel Liddle. Arnold (Arnie) Hartshorn has been a stalwart choir member for many years but was unable to attend this concert due to ill health.
The choir then sang “I Write the Songs”, made famous by Barrie Manilow, followed by “What would I do without my Music”, “Walk Away”, “Bridge Over Troubled Water” and “Softly as I Leave You”.
With the well organised serving of tea and coffee during the interval, choir members took the opportunity of catching up with friends who were present.
For the second half the choir started off with the rousing “When the Saints Go Marching In”, “You’ll Never Walk Alone”, “Morte Criste” and “American Trilogy”.
It was now time to hear our last two soloists. David Weston entertained us with “Ole Sole Mio” or when sung by Elvis Presley “It’s Now or Never” and he surprised everyone with a twist at the end, launching into a final verse from the infamous Wall’s Ice Cream advertisement “Just One Cornetto”.
“Bless This House” was the excellent choice for Paul Sheward to sing in these beautiful surroundings.
“Sloop John B”, “The Gospel Train”, “The Rose”, “You Raise Me Up” and the “Rhythm of Life” brought the concert to an end and with a very appreciative audience insisting on more. The choir duely obliged with “Let There Be Peace on Earth”.
This was a very pleasant and successful evening, amongst friends, in a beautiful venue with a good variety of music raising £600 for the Organ Restoration Fund.
Saturday April 15th
to raise funds for the restoration of a very special Church Organ
The organ in the church of St Michael, Penkridge, is in a very frail state. It is a very rare example of a virtually unmodified 19th century instrument and the organ restoration appeal committee aim to rectify this so that the organ can once again enhance worship, family occasions and the enjoyment of music.
The enjoyment of music was certainly the aim of tonight’s concert and with the choir in place, Paul Marshall announced to the audience how much the choir had been looking forward to the evening and returning to this fabulous venue.
The concert commenced with songs from Rodgers and Hammerstein’s ‘State Fair’ (It’s a Grand Night for Singing) from the musical Chess (Anthem) and two songs from Les Miserables (Do You Hear the People Sing and Bring Him Home).
There would be four soloists singing during the evening, the first being John England performing an aria in German from Wagner’s 1845 Opera Tannhäuser based on two German legends, a medieval poet and the tale of the Wartburg Song Contest.
The next soloist, Ossie Rees chose one of Arnold Hartshorn’s favourite songs “How Lovely Is Thy Dwelling Place” from Psalm 84 with music by Samuel Liddle. Arnold (Arnie) Hartshorn has been a stalwart choir member for many years but was unable to attend this concert due to ill health.
The choir then sang “I Write the Songs”, made famous by Barrie Manilow, followed by “What would I do without my Music”, “Walk Away”, “Bridge Over Troubled Water” and “Softly as I Leave You”.
With the well organised serving of tea and coffee during the interval, choir members took the opportunity of catching up with friends who were present.
For the second half the choir started off with the rousing “When the Saints Go Marching In”, “You’ll Never Walk Alone”, “Morte Criste” and “American Trilogy”.
It was now time to hear our last two soloists. David Weston entertained us with “Ole Sole Mio” or when sung by Elvis Presley “It’s Now or Never” and he surprised everyone with a twist at the end, launching into a final verse from the infamous Wall’s Ice Cream advertisement “Just One Cornetto”.
“Bless This House” was the excellent choice for Paul Sheward to sing in these beautiful surroundings.
“Sloop John B”, “The Gospel Train”, “The Rose”, “You Raise Me Up” and the “Rhythm of Life” brought the concert to an end and with a very appreciative audience insisting on more. The choir duely obliged with “Let There Be Peace on Earth”.
This was a very pleasant and successful evening, amongst friends, in a beautiful venue with a good variety of music raising £600 for the Organ Restoration Fund.
2018 Sudent Award Competition
Strutts Community Centre
Saturday April 7th 2018
A variety of music, and great talent ensures a fantastic day at Strutts.
Arnie Hartshorne is one of the most enthusiastic Dalesmen you could meet. Unfortunately he has recently spent some time in hospital and although now home he was unable to attend the day, an event he would never usually miss. However, he was at Strutts in spirit as he had very generously sponsored the day and Peter Featherby had kindly offered to record the competition in order that he could enjoy watching it at home during the following week.
Our talented wood carver Terry Chell had put his talents to work and produced a trophy in the shape of a Treble Clef that would carry Arnie’s name from now and into the future and would be presented to the winner of the second prize.
Dalesmen, their ladies, friends of the Dalesmen, other competitors, their accompanists and family gathered in the main hall ensuring a good audience for all those taking part.
Paul Sheward who organised the day with Graham Kirkham welcomed everyone and introduced Christine Palmer, David Watkin-Holmes and our own John Lloyd, all of whom had been Judges in the Student Award Competition in past years.
Fifteen young musicians had originally applied to take part and eventually thirteen were scheduled to perform on the day as two had dropped out. This was the most entries the competition had received since it started.
Charlotte Hand (accompanied by Paul Marshall on the piano) started the day off with her choice of Samuel Barber’s “Violin Concerto (Movement 1)” and “Tambourin chinois” by Fritz Kreisler. This was followed by Elizabeth Brown playing the Flute for “Fantasia No. 2” by Georg Philipp Telemann and accompanied by Paul, her second piece Ian Clarke’s “Hypnosis” a new work to many in the audience.
The mood was changed by Billy Rowlatt on Trumpet entertaining us to some latin music in the form of “Tico Tico” composed by Zequinha de Abreu, “Cherokee” by Clifford Brown and Chet Baker’s “There Will Never be Another You” in which he not only played but sang one of the verses as well (although he would only be judged on his playing).
Following a short break for refreshments, Alice McShane (accompanied by Paul Marshall on the piano) sang “Fear no More the Heat O’ the Sun” by Roger Quilter, “Can’t Help Lovin’ Dat Man” by Jerome Kern and finally “On My Own” from ‘Les Miserables’.
Elgar’s “Violin Sonata in E Minor Op. 82” and Dmitri Kabalevsky’s “Violin Concerto in C Major” were played by Katherine Marrow with a young accompanist at the Piano.
The “Prelude, Op. 32 No. 12” by Rachmaninoff, Debussy’s “Prelude, Book 1 No. 4” and “Sacro-Monte Op. 55 No. 5” composed by Joaquin Turina were played by Evie Gibbs on the piano. All her renditions were played without a music score to refer to.
At this stage it was quite obvious that the judges were going to have an extremely difficult task and it was left to Matthew Simpson to bring the morning session to a close with yet another genre of music in the form of Freddie Mercury’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” and Sam Smith’s “Lay Me Down” accompanying himself on the piano.
Trish Sheward, Sue Chell and Mary Templeman had provided a lunch for the Judges and other officials, whilst the audience enjoyed their packed lunches.
The afternoon session got off to a very loud start with Jorge Beardsley on electric guitar playing “Voodoo Child (Slight Return)” made famous by Jimi Hendrix, “Meet Darth Ear” composed by Charlie Griffiths and Jason Bowld. He finished with Steve Vai’s “Tender Surrender”.
Things were quietened down by Jacob Doleman returning us to the classical world and the Piano, playing the “Mazurka in A Flat Major” by Chopin and Beethoven’s “Sonata in F Minor Opus 2. No. 1.”
Songs from the musicals were two of the choices of Ellie-May Astbury singing Ivor Novello’s “Waltz of My Heart” from the Dancing Years, followed by “Think of Me” from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s ‘Phantom of the Opera’. Ellie-May’s second offering was by Samuel Barber “Sure on this Shining Night”.
The “Sonata in E Major – K162 – L21” composed by Domenico Scarlatti, Mozart’s “Sonata in C major K. 279 1st Movement” and “Doctor Gradus ad Parnassum” by Claude Debussy were the Piano pieces played by Abbie Neave.
With two more competitors left, the tension was building as to who might eventually take the coveted first prize.
The next to perform was singer Alisha Khan who filled the Strutts Main Hall with Giovanni Paisiello’s “Nel Cor plè non mi sento” (music for a while) composed by Henry Purcell and the well-known “Poor Wandering One” from Gilbert and Sullivan’s ‘Pirates of Penzance’.
The afternoon was brought to a close with Daniel Poole mesmerising everyone with his Saxaphone playing of Nigel Wood’s “Schwarzer Tänzer, the 2nd Movement of Creston Sonata and “Light of Sophis” composed by Amy Quate.
After a great deal of consideration, the Judges came to a decision which they had to admit had been very difficult because of the many excellent performances given during the day.
However, there had to be a winner and that was Daniel Poole with his Saxophone Playing. As the winner of the 2018 competition was handed the Reg Dean Trophy by Terry Chell, Chairman of the Dalesmen Male Voice Choir together with a cheque for £400 to further his musical career.
The Judges selected violinist, Charlotte Hand as runner up and she received Arnie Hartshorn’s trophy and a cheque for £150. In third place receiving a cheque for £75 was Jorge Beardsley for his electric guitar playing.
Additionally and because of the high standard of many of the students, Alisha Khan (Singer) and Katherine Marrow (Violinist) were each awarded a ‘Highly Commended’ judge’s certificate.
It was an excellent day of musical entertainment, covering all types of music. All those competing demonstrated various musical skills whilst, at the same time, gaining valuable experience by playing to a public audience. There were surely no losers in this annual student competition. It was a great platform for young musicians and we are assured Arnie will enjoy the music in the comfort of his own home.
We were also assured of a pool of talented young musicians to play at future choir concerts, providing a wide variety of musical entertainment, from the classics through to pop.
Following the competition Graham and Paul received an email message from Daniel Poole, the winner of the competition. It read as follows:
Dear Graham and Paul,
I wanted to write and thank you for organising the fantastic day yesterday. I really enjoyed it. I was very nervous, as it was my first competition, but I learnt so much. It has also given me the confidence to do more events like it. I needed to buy a new saxophone before I start at the Royal Northern School of Music in September, so that is what I am going to use the prize money for. Please could you pass on my thanks to all the members of the choir/friends, who made the day happen. I look forward to having the opportunity of playing with the Dalesmen Male Voice Choir soon.
Kind regards,
Daniel Poole
P.S The Trophy is on our mantelpiece it looks cool!
Strutts Community Centre
Saturday April 7th 2018
A variety of music, and great talent ensures a fantastic day at Strutts.
Arnie Hartshorne is one of the most enthusiastic Dalesmen you could meet. Unfortunately he has recently spent some time in hospital and although now home he was unable to attend the day, an event he would never usually miss. However, he was at Strutts in spirit as he had very generously sponsored the day and Peter Featherby had kindly offered to record the competition in order that he could enjoy watching it at home during the following week.
Our talented wood carver Terry Chell had put his talents to work and produced a trophy in the shape of a Treble Clef that would carry Arnie’s name from now and into the future and would be presented to the winner of the second prize.
Dalesmen, their ladies, friends of the Dalesmen, other competitors, their accompanists and family gathered in the main hall ensuring a good audience for all those taking part.
Paul Sheward who organised the day with Graham Kirkham welcomed everyone and introduced Christine Palmer, David Watkin-Holmes and our own John Lloyd, all of whom had been Judges in the Student Award Competition in past years.
Fifteen young musicians had originally applied to take part and eventually thirteen were scheduled to perform on the day as two had dropped out. This was the most entries the competition had received since it started.
Charlotte Hand (accompanied by Paul Marshall on the piano) started the day off with her choice of Samuel Barber’s “Violin Concerto (Movement 1)” and “Tambourin chinois” by Fritz Kreisler. This was followed by Elizabeth Brown playing the Flute for “Fantasia No. 2” by Georg Philipp Telemann and accompanied by Paul, her second piece Ian Clarke’s “Hypnosis” a new work to many in the audience.
The mood was changed by Billy Rowlatt on Trumpet entertaining us to some latin music in the form of “Tico Tico” composed by Zequinha de Abreu, “Cherokee” by Clifford Brown and Chet Baker’s “There Will Never be Another You” in which he not only played but sang one of the verses as well (although he would only be judged on his playing).
Following a short break for refreshments, Alice McShane (accompanied by Paul Marshall on the piano) sang “Fear no More the Heat O’ the Sun” by Roger Quilter, “Can’t Help Lovin’ Dat Man” by Jerome Kern and finally “On My Own” from ‘Les Miserables’.
Elgar’s “Violin Sonata in E Minor Op. 82” and Dmitri Kabalevsky’s “Violin Concerto in C Major” were played by Katherine Marrow with a young accompanist at the Piano.
The “Prelude, Op. 32 No. 12” by Rachmaninoff, Debussy’s “Prelude, Book 1 No. 4” and “Sacro-Monte Op. 55 No. 5” composed by Joaquin Turina were played by Evie Gibbs on the piano. All her renditions were played without a music score to refer to.
At this stage it was quite obvious that the judges were going to have an extremely difficult task and it was left to Matthew Simpson to bring the morning session to a close with yet another genre of music in the form of Freddie Mercury’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” and Sam Smith’s “Lay Me Down” accompanying himself on the piano.
Trish Sheward, Sue Chell and Mary Templeman had provided a lunch for the Judges and other officials, whilst the audience enjoyed their packed lunches.
The afternoon session got off to a very loud start with Jorge Beardsley on electric guitar playing “Voodoo Child (Slight Return)” made famous by Jimi Hendrix, “Meet Darth Ear” composed by Charlie Griffiths and Jason Bowld. He finished with Steve Vai’s “Tender Surrender”.
Things were quietened down by Jacob Doleman returning us to the classical world and the Piano, playing the “Mazurka in A Flat Major” by Chopin and Beethoven’s “Sonata in F Minor Opus 2. No. 1.”
Songs from the musicals were two of the choices of Ellie-May Astbury singing Ivor Novello’s “Waltz of My Heart” from the Dancing Years, followed by “Think of Me” from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s ‘Phantom of the Opera’. Ellie-May’s second offering was by Samuel Barber “Sure on this Shining Night”.
The “Sonata in E Major – K162 – L21” composed by Domenico Scarlatti, Mozart’s “Sonata in C major K. 279 1st Movement” and “Doctor Gradus ad Parnassum” by Claude Debussy were the Piano pieces played by Abbie Neave.
With two more competitors left, the tension was building as to who might eventually take the coveted first prize.
The next to perform was singer Alisha Khan who filled the Strutts Main Hall with Giovanni Paisiello’s “Nel Cor plè non mi sento” (music for a while) composed by Henry Purcell and the well-known “Poor Wandering One” from Gilbert and Sullivan’s ‘Pirates of Penzance’.
The afternoon was brought to a close with Daniel Poole mesmerising everyone with his Saxaphone playing of Nigel Wood’s “Schwarzer Tänzer, the 2nd Movement of Creston Sonata and “Light of Sophis” composed by Amy Quate.
After a great deal of consideration, the Judges came to a decision which they had to admit had been very difficult because of the many excellent performances given during the day.
However, there had to be a winner and that was Daniel Poole with his Saxophone Playing. As the winner of the 2018 competition was handed the Reg Dean Trophy by Terry Chell, Chairman of the Dalesmen Male Voice Choir together with a cheque for £400 to further his musical career.
The Judges selected violinist, Charlotte Hand as runner up and she received Arnie Hartshorn’s trophy and a cheque for £150. In third place receiving a cheque for £75 was Jorge Beardsley for his electric guitar playing.
Additionally and because of the high standard of many of the students, Alisha Khan (Singer) and Katherine Marrow (Violinist) were each awarded a ‘Highly Commended’ judge’s certificate.
It was an excellent day of musical entertainment, covering all types of music. All those competing demonstrated various musical skills whilst, at the same time, gaining valuable experience by playing to a public audience. There were surely no losers in this annual student competition. It was a great platform for young musicians and we are assured Arnie will enjoy the music in the comfort of his own home.
We were also assured of a pool of talented young musicians to play at future choir concerts, providing a wide variety of musical entertainment, from the classics through to pop.
Following the competition Graham and Paul received an email message from Daniel Poole, the winner of the competition. It read as follows:
Dear Graham and Paul,
I wanted to write and thank you for organising the fantastic day yesterday. I really enjoyed it. I was very nervous, as it was my first competition, but I learnt so much. It has also given me the confidence to do more events like it. I needed to buy a new saxophone before I start at the Royal Northern School of Music in September, so that is what I am going to use the prize money for. Please could you pass on my thanks to all the members of the choir/friends, who made the day happen. I look forward to having the opportunity of playing with the Dalesmen Male Voice Choir soon.
Kind regards,
Daniel Poole
P.S The Trophy is on our mantelpiece it looks cool!
Christmas Carols
St Peter's Church, Belper
Saturday 16th December 2017
The concert started with everyone singing “O Come All Ye Faithful”, followed by the Dalesmen with “Joy to the World”, “Do you hear what I hear?”, “Mistletoe and Wine”, and “Deck the Hall”.
With the members of the South East Derbyshire Music Centre (SEDMC) band crammed onto the stage (there were so many of them) they then gave us a lovely compilation of Christmas Music with popular songs “Rudolf the Red Nose Reindeer”, “Jingle Bells”, “Rocking Around the Christmas Tree” and “Sleigh Ride” with some audience participation
Following on from this, Callum Henderson who came third in the 2017 Student Award had brought along some of his friends as an ensemble who would perform a jazz version of “Ding Dong Merrily on High” and “God Rest You Merry Gentlemen” that really got our feet tapping.
An audience carol “O Little Town of Bethlehem” brought the first half to a close.
With everyone back in their seats after the interval, the second half started with the audience singing “While Shepherd’s watched their flocks by night".
There were more exciting sounds of Christmas with a swing from talented percussionist Callum and his jazz ensemble who performed their version of “Away in a Manger” with Callum on the vibraphone and a jazz version of “Jingle Bells”.
The SEDMC continued entertaining us with more of our favorite Christmas music with “White Christmas” and an unusual version of the “12 days of Christmas” that included a snippet from the French National Anthem and Swan Lake. Slade’s “Merry Christmas” completed their section with everyone joining in the chorus.
For their session after the interval the Dalesmen chose “Christ-Child in the manager”, “Winter Wonderland”, “The Miracle of Christmas” and “See Amid the Winter’s Snow with one verse solo by Bryan Mann. Paul Sheward also sang solo with a beautiful rendition of “O Holy Night”.
“Hark the Herald angels sing” sung by everyone brought the concert to a close.
The St. Peter’s concert had certainly been a success with a packed audience. As well as the concert show-casing the tremendous young talent with have in the area it had also successfully helped to raise money for local charities Age UK (Derby), Rainbows and Treetops Hospice.
St Peter's Church, Belper
Saturday 16th December 2017
The concert started with everyone singing “O Come All Ye Faithful”, followed by the Dalesmen with “Joy to the World”, “Do you hear what I hear?”, “Mistletoe and Wine”, and “Deck the Hall”.
With the members of the South East Derbyshire Music Centre (SEDMC) band crammed onto the stage (there were so many of them) they then gave us a lovely compilation of Christmas Music with popular songs “Rudolf the Red Nose Reindeer”, “Jingle Bells”, “Rocking Around the Christmas Tree” and “Sleigh Ride” with some audience participation
Following on from this, Callum Henderson who came third in the 2017 Student Award had brought along some of his friends as an ensemble who would perform a jazz version of “Ding Dong Merrily on High” and “God Rest You Merry Gentlemen” that really got our feet tapping.
An audience carol “O Little Town of Bethlehem” brought the first half to a close.
With everyone back in their seats after the interval, the second half started with the audience singing “While Shepherd’s watched their flocks by night".
There were more exciting sounds of Christmas with a swing from talented percussionist Callum and his jazz ensemble who performed their version of “Away in a Manger” with Callum on the vibraphone and a jazz version of “Jingle Bells”.
The SEDMC continued entertaining us with more of our favorite Christmas music with “White Christmas” and an unusual version of the “12 days of Christmas” that included a snippet from the French National Anthem and Swan Lake. Slade’s “Merry Christmas” completed their section with everyone joining in the chorus.
For their session after the interval the Dalesmen chose “Christ-Child in the manager”, “Winter Wonderland”, “The Miracle of Christmas” and “See Amid the Winter’s Snow with one verse solo by Bryan Mann. Paul Sheward also sang solo with a beautiful rendition of “O Holy Night”.
“Hark the Herald angels sing” sung by everyone brought the concert to a close.
The St. Peter’s concert had certainly been a success with a packed audience. As well as the concert show-casing the tremendous young talent with have in the area it had also successfully helped to raise money for local charities Age UK (Derby), Rainbows and Treetops Hospice.
Joint concert 'Let All Men Sing' with Mansfield & District MVC & St Edmundsbury MVC
Derby Cathedral
Saturday October 14th 2017
On a very warm October Saturday evening the Dalesmen celebrated their 30th Anniversary with a concert at Derby Cathedral. They were joined by The Mansfield and District MVC and St. Edmundsbury MVC (replicating a concert held in Bury St. Edmunds three years ago).
Paul Marshall welcomed everyone to the concert and in particular to two of The Dalesmen MVC Patrons, The Lord Lieutenant of Derbyshire, Willie Tucker (and his wife Jill) and James Roberson (whose wife Dianne could not attend as she was suffering with flu).
Paul Marshall MD of The Dalesmen conducted the combined choirs in the opening song “Let All Men Sing” the title given to the concert evening of celebration. This was followed by the Dalesmen singing “Anthem" and “Rhythm of Life”.
Mansfield’s MD, Meryl Chambers then conducted all the choirs “With a Voice of Singing”. The Mansfield choir then took us on a journey into the plains of Africa with an “African Trilogy” as a tribute to Nelson Mandela. Ian Grice featured as soloist. This was followed by the American folk song “Shenandoah”.
The last of the three MDs, St Edmundsbury’ s Mark Jefferson then took charge of all the voices to deliver a wonderful version of “The Rose”.
Paul Marshall then brought the first half of the concert to a close by conducting “Gwahoddiad”, again sung by all the choirs.
The second half of the concert started with Meryl Chambers conducting all choirs in “An American Trilogy”. This was followed by the Mansfield choir singing “Mansions of the Lord” and “Comrade in Arms”.
120 voices then sang “Bring Him Home” conducted by Mark Jefferson that was followed by St. Edmundsbury choir delivering a wonderful medley of Burt Bacharach hits together with the Robbie Williams song “Angels”. Both these items were accompanied by the guitar and piano.
Morte Criste was sung by all the choirs (Paul Marshall conducting) and the Dalesmen then sang “Do you Hear the People Sing” and “I Write the Songs” as their last individual pieces of the concert.
However they had introduced a twist to “I Write the Songs”. The winner of the 2017 Dalesmen MVC Student Award competition, Wil Pearson, sang a couple of the verses as a solo with them.
Wil continued with two solo offerings and what a performance! He captivated the audience with his renditioning of the songs he had chosen which culminated in a standing ovation to him by all present.
All the choirs then sung “What Would I Do without My Music”, “When The Saints Go Marching In” and “You Raise Me Up” to complete the concert.
A brilliant and thoroughly enjoyable evening of musical entertainment then continued in the nearby St. Mary’s Church hall. The Dales Ladies had set out a magnificent buffet for all to enjoy and the visiting choirs decided that they wished to carry on singing and took it in turns to entertain with more songs.
Terry Chell (Chairman Dalesmen MVC) made a presentation to both choirs of hand-crafted wooden spoons carved from the same piece of wood. He hoped that they would go on separate journeys and be presented to someone who gave exceptional support to their particular choirs to replicate our President’s Award, given each year to an unsung hero in the Dalesmen MVC.
Derby Cathedral
Saturday October 14th 2017
On a very warm October Saturday evening the Dalesmen celebrated their 30th Anniversary with a concert at Derby Cathedral. They were joined by The Mansfield and District MVC and St. Edmundsbury MVC (replicating a concert held in Bury St. Edmunds three years ago).
Paul Marshall welcomed everyone to the concert and in particular to two of The Dalesmen MVC Patrons, The Lord Lieutenant of Derbyshire, Willie Tucker (and his wife Jill) and James Roberson (whose wife Dianne could not attend as she was suffering with flu).
Paul Marshall MD of The Dalesmen conducted the combined choirs in the opening song “Let All Men Sing” the title given to the concert evening of celebration. This was followed by the Dalesmen singing “Anthem" and “Rhythm of Life”.
Mansfield’s MD, Meryl Chambers then conducted all the choirs “With a Voice of Singing”. The Mansfield choir then took us on a journey into the plains of Africa with an “African Trilogy” as a tribute to Nelson Mandela. Ian Grice featured as soloist. This was followed by the American folk song “Shenandoah”.
The last of the three MDs, St Edmundsbury’ s Mark Jefferson then took charge of all the voices to deliver a wonderful version of “The Rose”.
Paul Marshall then brought the first half of the concert to a close by conducting “Gwahoddiad”, again sung by all the choirs.
The second half of the concert started with Meryl Chambers conducting all choirs in “An American Trilogy”. This was followed by the Mansfield choir singing “Mansions of the Lord” and “Comrade in Arms”.
120 voices then sang “Bring Him Home” conducted by Mark Jefferson that was followed by St. Edmundsbury choir delivering a wonderful medley of Burt Bacharach hits together with the Robbie Williams song “Angels”. Both these items were accompanied by the guitar and piano.
Morte Criste was sung by all the choirs (Paul Marshall conducting) and the Dalesmen then sang “Do you Hear the People Sing” and “I Write the Songs” as their last individual pieces of the concert.
However they had introduced a twist to “I Write the Songs”. The winner of the 2017 Dalesmen MVC Student Award competition, Wil Pearson, sang a couple of the verses as a solo with them.
Wil continued with two solo offerings and what a performance! He captivated the audience with his renditioning of the songs he had chosen which culminated in a standing ovation to him by all present.
All the choirs then sung “What Would I Do without My Music”, “When The Saints Go Marching In” and “You Raise Me Up” to complete the concert.
A brilliant and thoroughly enjoyable evening of musical entertainment then continued in the nearby St. Mary’s Church hall. The Dales Ladies had set out a magnificent buffet for all to enjoy and the visiting choirs decided that they wished to carry on singing and took it in turns to entertain with more songs.
Terry Chell (Chairman Dalesmen MVC) made a presentation to both choirs of hand-crafted wooden spoons carved from the same piece of wood. He hoped that they would go on separate journeys and be presented to someone who gave exceptional support to their particular choirs to replicate our President’s Award, given each year to an unsung hero in the Dalesmen MVC.
An Evening of Sing and Swing in Wirksworth
The Dalesmen MVC & some musicians from Chris Deans’ band.
Wirksworth Town Hall
Saturday 29th July 2017
This concert was to be a re-run of a similar one held a couple of years ago when Dalesmen Patron, Chris Dean, Leader of the Syd Lawrence Orchestra and son of Reg Dean, had entertained with some fantastic music,
Terry Chell, DMVC Chairman, welcomed everyone in the sell-out audience and said how good it was to be back in Wirksworth in this special year. Wirksworth was the home of Reg Dean and one of the founders of the choir.
The concert would be dedicated to past members of the choir and friends who were no longer with us.
The Dalesmen, accompanied by Bill Templeman opened the concert with “What would I do without my music” followed by “I write the songs”, “Bridge over troubled water”, “The Anthem” from Chess and finished with “The Rhythm of Life”. This number is a great link to Chris Dean, who told us he was glad they had sung this last item as it was one of his Dad’s favourites.
Chris Dean and his musicians then took to the stage and with Chris singing and playing the Trombone we had a star studded trio in place to entertain us. He was accompanied by Trevor Brown on piano and Dave Chamberlain on Bass. The trio immediately had the audience captivated with a selection of music in their own imitable style, the mark of a true professional entertainers. “I get a kick out of you”, “Why did you chose me”, “People” and “Just in Time”, with all members of the trio showing us their individual skills with mind-blowing solos.
It was great to see some of the Friends of the Dalesmen and past members in the concert audience and the interval gave choir members an opportunity to catch up with many of them.
For the second half of the concert the Dalesmen had chosen to sing “Do you hear the people sing”, “The Rose”, “The Gospel Train”, “Sloop John B” and “American Trilogy” and with their set completed, the choir could relax and enjoy the music of Chris and his associates.
“My Romance” was followed by “Laura”, “Joanna”. The version delivered had been arranged by Trevor Brown for the whole Syd Lawrence orchestra but as they were ‘18 short’, Chris made the audience smile when he said they would do what they had been doing all evening by just making it up as they went along.
To complete his performance they finished with “It don’t mean a thing if it don’t have that swing” which included a beautiful bass solo with plenty of audience foot tapping in evidence once again.
It was obvious that Chris had enjoyed being part of the Dalesmen’s 30th Anniversary Year, challenging the choir to make it to 60 as his dad had done.
Then Dalesmen MD Paul Marshall gave us a further surprise when he announced that Lou Spence, the very first Musical Director of the Dalesmen, had been in the audience and that during the interval he had persuaded him to join the choir to sing “Gwahoddiad”, a really moving end to the concert.
This had certainly been an evening when the Wirksworth connections had come together to create a truly memorable night of music. May it long continue.
The Dalesmen MVC & some musicians from Chris Deans’ band.
Wirksworth Town Hall
Saturday 29th July 2017
This concert was to be a re-run of a similar one held a couple of years ago when Dalesmen Patron, Chris Dean, Leader of the Syd Lawrence Orchestra and son of Reg Dean, had entertained with some fantastic music,
Terry Chell, DMVC Chairman, welcomed everyone in the sell-out audience and said how good it was to be back in Wirksworth in this special year. Wirksworth was the home of Reg Dean and one of the founders of the choir.
The concert would be dedicated to past members of the choir and friends who were no longer with us.
The Dalesmen, accompanied by Bill Templeman opened the concert with “What would I do without my music” followed by “I write the songs”, “Bridge over troubled water”, “The Anthem” from Chess and finished with “The Rhythm of Life”. This number is a great link to Chris Dean, who told us he was glad they had sung this last item as it was one of his Dad’s favourites.
Chris Dean and his musicians then took to the stage and with Chris singing and playing the Trombone we had a star studded trio in place to entertain us. He was accompanied by Trevor Brown on piano and Dave Chamberlain on Bass. The trio immediately had the audience captivated with a selection of music in their own imitable style, the mark of a true professional entertainers. “I get a kick out of you”, “Why did you chose me”, “People” and “Just in Time”, with all members of the trio showing us their individual skills with mind-blowing solos.
It was great to see some of the Friends of the Dalesmen and past members in the concert audience and the interval gave choir members an opportunity to catch up with many of them.
For the second half of the concert the Dalesmen had chosen to sing “Do you hear the people sing”, “The Rose”, “The Gospel Train”, “Sloop John B” and “American Trilogy” and with their set completed, the choir could relax and enjoy the music of Chris and his associates.
“My Romance” was followed by “Laura”, “Joanna”. The version delivered had been arranged by Trevor Brown for the whole Syd Lawrence orchestra but as they were ‘18 short’, Chris made the audience smile when he said they would do what they had been doing all evening by just making it up as they went along.
To complete his performance they finished with “It don’t mean a thing if it don’t have that swing” which included a beautiful bass solo with plenty of audience foot tapping in evidence once again.
It was obvious that Chris had enjoyed being part of the Dalesmen’s 30th Anniversary Year, challenging the choir to make it to 60 as his dad had done.
Then Dalesmen MD Paul Marshall gave us a further surprise when he announced that Lou Spence, the very first Musical Director of the Dalesmen, had been in the audience and that during the interval he had persuaded him to join the choir to sing “Gwahoddiad”, a really moving end to the concert.
This had certainly been an evening when the Wirksworth connections had come together to create a truly memorable night of music. May it long continue.
Joint Concert with Loughborough MVC
St Peters Church, Belper
Saturday, 22nd July 2017
Following a successful Concert last October in Loughborough it was the turn of the Dalesmen to welcome Loughborough Male Voice Choir to one of their favourite venues, St. Peter’s Church, Belper.
Loughborough MVC, accompanied by Becky Norton, sang first opening with “With a Voice of Singing”, which set the tone for the rest of the concert. “When the Saints go Marching In”, “Bushes and Briers” and finishing with “The World in Union”, a theme sung for the Rugby World Cup.
Twelve of their members then returned as ‘The Dozen’ to sing a set of four 1823 songs by Shubert (“Die Nacht”) which they sang in German. Loughborough’s soloist Lyndon Gardner delivered “Love Could I Only Tell Thee” which was included in Sidney Jones’ highly successful musical play ‘The Geisha’.
The Dalesmen MVC then took the stage to entertain the audience with “Do You Hear the People Sing” and “The Rose”.
2017 Student Award Scheme runner up, Harriet Russ would add another dimension to the evening. Accompanied by Paul Marshall she sang “Ave Maria”.
The Dalesmen then sang “The Gospel Train”, “Bring Him Home” and “The Rhythm of Life”. A short refreshment break followed.
Loughborough MVC started the second half with “You Raise Me Up” but to a totally different and refreshing arrangement to that normally adopted by The Dalesmen MVC. This was followed by “The Soldiers Chorus”, “Happy Together”, “Morte Christe” and a solo by Lyndon and “Show Me the Way to Amarillo”.
Harriet Russ then returned to sing “By Strauss” followed by “If My Songs Were Only Winged”. Harriet received very long and appreciative audience acclaim, realising that they had listened to a very special performance from a singer with a beautiful voice.
The Dalesmen continued with “Anthem” and “What Would I Do without My Music”, “Sloop John B”, “I Write the Songs” and “American Trilogy”.
Harriet Russ then returned to sing Gershwin’s “By Strauss” which, once again, received sustained applause from the appreciative audience.
Terry Chell (Dalesmen MVC Chairman) thanked all those taking part in making evening and presented flowers to Harriet and Becky Norton and gifts to Paul and Chris Hill the MD’s of the two choirs.
He then made one more presentation to the Chairman of Loughborough MVC to celebrate this, their special 50th anniversary year. This was a framed wooden spoon (carved by Terry himself) and engraved with a congratulatory message to them.
The joint choirs would bring the evening to a resounding close by singing “You’ll Never Walk Alone” and “Gwahodiad”.
The evening ended with an invitation from Loughborough to do it all again in the future. The concert had been a free-on-entry format but with a retiring collection that eventually raised around £500 for St. Peters church.
As the audience made their way outside, with umbrellas raised in the heavy rain which was then falling, spirits were not dampened as the it had been, in every way, a great evening of music “With a Voice of Singing”.
St Peters Church, Belper
Saturday, 22nd July 2017
Following a successful Concert last October in Loughborough it was the turn of the Dalesmen to welcome Loughborough Male Voice Choir to one of their favourite venues, St. Peter’s Church, Belper.
Loughborough MVC, accompanied by Becky Norton, sang first opening with “With a Voice of Singing”, which set the tone for the rest of the concert. “When the Saints go Marching In”, “Bushes and Briers” and finishing with “The World in Union”, a theme sung for the Rugby World Cup.
Twelve of their members then returned as ‘The Dozen’ to sing a set of four 1823 songs by Shubert (“Die Nacht”) which they sang in German. Loughborough’s soloist Lyndon Gardner delivered “Love Could I Only Tell Thee” which was included in Sidney Jones’ highly successful musical play ‘The Geisha’.
The Dalesmen MVC then took the stage to entertain the audience with “Do You Hear the People Sing” and “The Rose”.
2017 Student Award Scheme runner up, Harriet Russ would add another dimension to the evening. Accompanied by Paul Marshall she sang “Ave Maria”.
The Dalesmen then sang “The Gospel Train”, “Bring Him Home” and “The Rhythm of Life”. A short refreshment break followed.
Loughborough MVC started the second half with “You Raise Me Up” but to a totally different and refreshing arrangement to that normally adopted by The Dalesmen MVC. This was followed by “The Soldiers Chorus”, “Happy Together”, “Morte Christe” and a solo by Lyndon and “Show Me the Way to Amarillo”.
Harriet Russ then returned to sing “By Strauss” followed by “If My Songs Were Only Winged”. Harriet received very long and appreciative audience acclaim, realising that they had listened to a very special performance from a singer with a beautiful voice.
The Dalesmen continued with “Anthem” and “What Would I Do without My Music”, “Sloop John B”, “I Write the Songs” and “American Trilogy”.
Harriet Russ then returned to sing Gershwin’s “By Strauss” which, once again, received sustained applause from the appreciative audience.
Terry Chell (Dalesmen MVC Chairman) thanked all those taking part in making evening and presented flowers to Harriet and Becky Norton and gifts to Paul and Chris Hill the MD’s of the two choirs.
He then made one more presentation to the Chairman of Loughborough MVC to celebrate this, their special 50th anniversary year. This was a framed wooden spoon (carved by Terry himself) and engraved with a congratulatory message to them.
The joint choirs would bring the evening to a resounding close by singing “You’ll Never Walk Alone” and “Gwahodiad”.
The evening ended with an invitation from Loughborough to do it all again in the future. The concert had been a free-on-entry format but with a retiring collection that eventually raised around £500 for St. Peters church.
As the audience made their way outside, with umbrellas raised in the heavy rain which was then falling, spirits were not dampened as the it had been, in every way, a great evening of music “With a Voice of Singing”.
Rotary Club of Derby
Centenary Year inaugural event
Derby Cathedral 8th July 2017
Centenary Year inaugural event
Derby Cathedral 8th July 2017
John Beswarick from Rotary Club of Derby welcomed everyone to the Cathedral and would introduce all the items for the rest of the evening.
With the introductions completed, an eager and packed audience in place, it was time for the celebration to begin.
The joint choirs would sing two pieces to start the concert “Do You Hear the People Sing” which would be the first time the Dalesmen had performed this piece and was conducted by Deventio’s Musical Director, Lynne Lee. This was followed by “The Rose” conducted by Paul Marshall.
A bonus of singing with other choirs is that the audience gets the opportunity to hear different pieces of music and tonight Deventio would sing “Cockles and Mussels” and “My Grandfather’s Clock”.
Karen England joined them to treat us to “Hear My Prayer” with music by Felix Mendelssohn, the Cathedral adding grandeur to this item.
The Dalesmen would bring the first half to a close with “Let All Men Sing”, “What Would I Do Without My Music”, “Bring Him Home”, and the “Rhythm of Life”.
Their selection of songs by The Deventio Choir for the second half of the concert were “Westering Home”, “Londonderry Air”, “Moon River” and John Lennon’s “Imagine”.
Besides Paul Marshall who conducted and played the piano for Karen, there was another man who had a busy night as John England played musical chairs to enable him to sing with both choirs.
Dressed in another fabulous gown, Karen continued her performance with “Ebben, Ne Andro Lontana”, “Summertime”, “The Man I Love” and “O Mio Babbino Caro” receiving more rapturous applause.
How to follow that must have been in the minds of all the Dalesmen, but under the leadership of Paul, they rose to the challenge and gave us a fantastic rendition of four songs, three well known ones to followers of the Choir “American Trilogy”, “I Write The Songs” and Christus Salvator” and another new one “Anthem” from Chess which I am sure will become a firm favourite with future audiences.
With their challenge accomplished they were rewarded with a well-deserved ovation that continued for quite a while and also included lots of cheers.
The joint choirs would bring the evening to a close by singing “You Raise Me Up”, conducted by Paul, a great choice of music for the finale which epitomises what Rotary and the charities do, raising people up from where they are today to what they can become. The Cathedral was ringing tonight with the sound of beautiful voices and music, we enjoyed this wonderful celebration, a great way to celebrate 100 years of Rotary in Derby and hopefully raise lots of money for Treetops, Padley and Amasango.
With the introductions completed, an eager and packed audience in place, it was time for the celebration to begin.
The joint choirs would sing two pieces to start the concert “Do You Hear the People Sing” which would be the first time the Dalesmen had performed this piece and was conducted by Deventio’s Musical Director, Lynne Lee. This was followed by “The Rose” conducted by Paul Marshall.
A bonus of singing with other choirs is that the audience gets the opportunity to hear different pieces of music and tonight Deventio would sing “Cockles and Mussels” and “My Grandfather’s Clock”.
Karen England joined them to treat us to “Hear My Prayer” with music by Felix Mendelssohn, the Cathedral adding grandeur to this item.
The Dalesmen would bring the first half to a close with “Let All Men Sing”, “What Would I Do Without My Music”, “Bring Him Home”, and the “Rhythm of Life”.
Their selection of songs by The Deventio Choir for the second half of the concert were “Westering Home”, “Londonderry Air”, “Moon River” and John Lennon’s “Imagine”.
Besides Paul Marshall who conducted and played the piano for Karen, there was another man who had a busy night as John England played musical chairs to enable him to sing with both choirs.
Dressed in another fabulous gown, Karen continued her performance with “Ebben, Ne Andro Lontana”, “Summertime”, “The Man I Love” and “O Mio Babbino Caro” receiving more rapturous applause.
How to follow that must have been in the minds of all the Dalesmen, but under the leadership of Paul, they rose to the challenge and gave us a fantastic rendition of four songs, three well known ones to followers of the Choir “American Trilogy”, “I Write The Songs” and Christus Salvator” and another new one “Anthem” from Chess which I am sure will become a firm favourite with future audiences.
With their challenge accomplished they were rewarded with a well-deserved ovation that continued for quite a while and also included lots of cheers.
The joint choirs would bring the evening to a close by singing “You Raise Me Up”, conducted by Paul, a great choice of music for the finale which epitomises what Rotary and the charities do, raising people up from where they are today to what they can become. The Cathedral was ringing tonight with the sound of beautiful voices and music, we enjoyed this wonderful celebration, a great way to celebrate 100 years of Rotary in Derby and hopefully raise lots of money for Treetops, Padley and Amasango.
Belper Music Festival
Saturday 20th May 2017
A Choir’d Taste were accompanied by Richard Allen and commenced the evening with a set of more formal pieces “Festival Gloria”, “Come ye sons of Art”, “Three Hungarian folk songs”, “An die Musik”, and “Il est bei et bon” written by Porterfield, Purcell, Seiber, Schubert and Passereau respectively.
Wearing a black dress in a very Spanish style, Karen England joined them to sing Bizet’s “Habanera” from the opera Carmen before introducing her solos “Quando men vo” from La Bohѐme, “Mon Coeur s’ouvre à ta voix” by Saint-Saëns, finishing with “O mio Babbino caro” by Puccini, accompanied by Beate Toyka.
During the interval drinks, soft and alcoholic, were served, giving time for us and some of the Friends of the Dalesmen to meet up to have a chat.
With everyone back in their seats, the atmosphere was certainly building for the Dalesmen to sing their chosen songs “Let all men sing”, “Gwahoddiad”, “The Rose”, “My Luve is like a red red rose”, and “What would I do without my music” that were all received with tremendous applause.
Paul invited us to participate and provide the percussion for their last piece “The Rhythm of Life” that has now become a favourite for the audience to show off their clapping skills.
With their session complete the Dalesmen left the stage and Karen returned to entertain us, now dressed in a lovely white gown.
She sang Gershwin’s “Summertime” and “Can’t help lovin’ dat man” showing off her jazz singing talents.
A lovely touch to the evening was the handing out of red roses as she walked around the audience singing her last piece “On my lips every kiss is like wine” from Guiditta by Franz Lehar. The first red rose recipient was her fiancé, Nigel who had recently proposed to her on the Ponte Vecchio bridge in Florence.
A number of other lucky men in the audience also receiving a rose, including Bryan Mann from the Dalesmen, a wonderful memory for his first concert with the choir.
Then the “Last Night of the Proms” event took shape and with Richard Allen playing the violin, Paul Marshall at the piano rendering the perennial favourite sea shanty ‘Sailor’s Hornpipe’ from Henry Wood’s ‘Fantasia’. This was rendered Belper style.
The grand finale was a very colourful one with the Ladies of A Choir’d wearing red, white and blue scarves, Karen draped in a union jack and numerous flags waved by the audience in true Last Night of the Proms style, “Rule Britannia”, “Jerusalem” and “Land of Hope and Glory” brought this wonderful evening to a conclusion.
Saturday 20th May 2017
A Choir’d Taste were accompanied by Richard Allen and commenced the evening with a set of more formal pieces “Festival Gloria”, “Come ye sons of Art”, “Three Hungarian folk songs”, “An die Musik”, and “Il est bei et bon” written by Porterfield, Purcell, Seiber, Schubert and Passereau respectively.
Wearing a black dress in a very Spanish style, Karen England joined them to sing Bizet’s “Habanera” from the opera Carmen before introducing her solos “Quando men vo” from La Bohѐme, “Mon Coeur s’ouvre à ta voix” by Saint-Saëns, finishing with “O mio Babbino caro” by Puccini, accompanied by Beate Toyka.
During the interval drinks, soft and alcoholic, were served, giving time for us and some of the Friends of the Dalesmen to meet up to have a chat.
With everyone back in their seats, the atmosphere was certainly building for the Dalesmen to sing their chosen songs “Let all men sing”, “Gwahoddiad”, “The Rose”, “My Luve is like a red red rose”, and “What would I do without my music” that were all received with tremendous applause.
Paul invited us to participate and provide the percussion for their last piece “The Rhythm of Life” that has now become a favourite for the audience to show off their clapping skills.
With their session complete the Dalesmen left the stage and Karen returned to entertain us, now dressed in a lovely white gown.
She sang Gershwin’s “Summertime” and “Can’t help lovin’ dat man” showing off her jazz singing talents.
A lovely touch to the evening was the handing out of red roses as she walked around the audience singing her last piece “On my lips every kiss is like wine” from Guiditta by Franz Lehar. The first red rose recipient was her fiancé, Nigel who had recently proposed to her on the Ponte Vecchio bridge in Florence.
A number of other lucky men in the audience also receiving a rose, including Bryan Mann from the Dalesmen, a wonderful memory for his first concert with the choir.
Then the “Last Night of the Proms” event took shape and with Richard Allen playing the violin, Paul Marshall at the piano rendering the perennial favourite sea shanty ‘Sailor’s Hornpipe’ from Henry Wood’s ‘Fantasia’. This was rendered Belper style.
The grand finale was a very colourful one with the Ladies of A Choir’d wearing red, white and blue scarves, Karen draped in a union jack and numerous flags waved by the audience in true Last Night of the Proms style, “Rule Britannia”, “Jerusalem” and “Land of Hope and Glory” brought this wonderful evening to a conclusion.
St Alkmund's Church, Duffield
Saturday 8th April 2017
Saturday 8th April 2017
With the Dalesmen on stage they began with “Let All Men Sing”, followed by “The Gospel Train”, “Sloop John B”, “I Write the Songs” a Barry Manilow song that is a fairly new addition to their repertoire and finished their first session with “What would I do without my music”.
Following on from the Dalesmen was solo pianist & singer Will Pearson. It had only been a couple of weeks since Will had won the Reg Dean Trophy at the annual Dalesmen’s Student Award Competition and the audience were treated to a very polished performance by a very talented young musician.
He chose three songs from the great American song book that had brought him his success in winning the award. They were “You Don’t Know Me”, “I’ve Got the World on a String” and “Ol’ Man River” from Showboat. His repertoire received a standing ovation from a very appreciative audience.
Following on from Will were Derby A Capella, dressed in dark suits with open neck red shirts and patent shoes. They took to the stage and introduced themselves by singing “We are Derby A Cappella”. They followed this with “Zing Went the Strings of My Heart,” Glen Miller’s “Chattanooga Choo Choo”, “As Time Goes By” from the film Casablanca and “When I’m 64” by Lennon & McCartney.
Time for a short intermission and the Dales Ladies were kept very busy supplying the audience with drinks at half time and as usual there was plenty of chatter going on.
Derby A Cappella returned to entertain us with “Blue Moon”, “Java Jive” (I love coffee, I love tea), “Under the Boardwalk”, “The Bear Necessities”, “With a song in your Heart” and finally “Crazy Little Thing Called Love”.
With Will back on stage his choices this time were his own particular favourite songs that he had recently recorded on a CD. He started with his own arrangements of “Feeling Good” and “I’ve Put a Spell on You” and followed this with the Nat King Cole classic “Smile”. His next offering was “Make it one for my baby and one more for the Road” written for the 1943 movie musical The Sky's the Limit and first performed in the film by Fred Astaire and later popularized by Frank Sinatra.
Will’s performance finished with Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah”. He received a fantastic ovation with members of the Dalesmen standing to applaud him.
You can see Will again soon as he is singing at a couple more of the Dalesmen’s concerts during the year, so we are all in for another treat.
The Dalesmen were left to complete the concert with “The Rhythm of Life”, “Let there be Peace on Earth”, ”You Raise Me Up”, “American Trilogy” with finally “Morte Christe”.
A particularly enjoyable mix of traditional choral music (Dalesmen) , Barber Shop close harmony songs (Derby A Capella) and wonderful blues and movie songs (Will Pearson) made for a memorable Spring evening’s musical entertainment, thoroughly enjoyed by one and all.
Following on from the Dalesmen was solo pianist & singer Will Pearson. It had only been a couple of weeks since Will had won the Reg Dean Trophy at the annual Dalesmen’s Student Award Competition and the audience were treated to a very polished performance by a very talented young musician.
He chose three songs from the great American song book that had brought him his success in winning the award. They were “You Don’t Know Me”, “I’ve Got the World on a String” and “Ol’ Man River” from Showboat. His repertoire received a standing ovation from a very appreciative audience.
Following on from Will were Derby A Capella, dressed in dark suits with open neck red shirts and patent shoes. They took to the stage and introduced themselves by singing “We are Derby A Cappella”. They followed this with “Zing Went the Strings of My Heart,” Glen Miller’s “Chattanooga Choo Choo”, “As Time Goes By” from the film Casablanca and “When I’m 64” by Lennon & McCartney.
Time for a short intermission and the Dales Ladies were kept very busy supplying the audience with drinks at half time and as usual there was plenty of chatter going on.
Derby A Cappella returned to entertain us with “Blue Moon”, “Java Jive” (I love coffee, I love tea), “Under the Boardwalk”, “The Bear Necessities”, “With a song in your Heart” and finally “Crazy Little Thing Called Love”.
With Will back on stage his choices this time were his own particular favourite songs that he had recently recorded on a CD. He started with his own arrangements of “Feeling Good” and “I’ve Put a Spell on You” and followed this with the Nat King Cole classic “Smile”. His next offering was “Make it one for my baby and one more for the Road” written for the 1943 movie musical The Sky's the Limit and first performed in the film by Fred Astaire and later popularized by Frank Sinatra.
Will’s performance finished with Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah”. He received a fantastic ovation with members of the Dalesmen standing to applaud him.
You can see Will again soon as he is singing at a couple more of the Dalesmen’s concerts during the year, so we are all in for another treat.
The Dalesmen were left to complete the concert with “The Rhythm of Life”, “Let there be Peace on Earth”, ”You Raise Me Up”, “American Trilogy” with finally “Morte Christe”.
A particularly enjoyable mix of traditional choral music (Dalesmen) , Barber Shop close harmony songs (Derby A Capella) and wonderful blues and movie songs (Will Pearson) made for a memorable Spring evening’s musical entertainment, thoroughly enjoyed by one and all.
Hulland Ward Village Hall
Saturday 25th March 2017
The hall was full to capacity as a few tables had been set out for some of the audience (presumably so they could enjoy some ‘nibbles’ at the interval).
At 7pm the concert commenced with a medley of songs from the Dalesmen, comprising ‘Let All Men Sing’, ‘The Rose’, ‘My dearest Dear’ and ‘Morte Christie’.
The musical MD, Paul Marshall had stressed to the choir at previous rehearsals the importance of the dynamics of choir singing and this was put to good stead as the acoustics of the Hulland Ward village hall well amplified the sounds that emanated from the stage dais where the Dalesmen were congregated.
Ossie Reid entertained the audience with the first solo slot of the evening singing ‘Wind beneath my Wings’ after which the choir continued their concert renditions with ‘Yesterday’, ‘Walk Away’, ‘There’s Nothing Like a Dame’, ’76 Trombones’ and finally ‘Bring Him Home’ from the hit musical ‘Les Miserables’.
To end the first part of the concert Paul Sheward sang the second solo slot for the evening with the opening song from the musical Oklahoma ‘O What a Beautiful Morning’.
A short twenty minute break followed to allow coffee, tea or the occasional tipple to be consumed.
The choir opened the second part of the concert with ‘The Rhythm of Life’, What Would I Do Without My Music’, ‘Llanfair’ and ‘American Trilogy’.
David Weston then sang the third solo song for the evening when he delivered ‘When Soft Voices Die’.
Paul Marshall then graciously handed the baton to Assistant MD John Lloyd who conducted the choir for the well-known Welsh song ‘Gwahoddiad’. This stirring melody was followed by a much quieter offering from the choir of ‘Lullaby’.
With Paul Marshall again at the helm, the choir finished the evening’s entertainment with ‘Sloop John B’, ‘The Gospel Train’ and ‘Christus Salvador’.
Refusing to let the choir disengage with claims for ‘More…more..’ the choir duly complied and sang ‘You Raise Me Up’ which finally brought the entertainment to a close.
It had been an excellent evening of musical entertainment and doubtless with a spring in their steps and songs in their hearts, the audience and the choir dispersed to retire on this, the eve of commencement of British Summer Time.
Saturday 25th March 2017
The hall was full to capacity as a few tables had been set out for some of the audience (presumably so they could enjoy some ‘nibbles’ at the interval).
At 7pm the concert commenced with a medley of songs from the Dalesmen, comprising ‘Let All Men Sing’, ‘The Rose’, ‘My dearest Dear’ and ‘Morte Christie’.
The musical MD, Paul Marshall had stressed to the choir at previous rehearsals the importance of the dynamics of choir singing and this was put to good stead as the acoustics of the Hulland Ward village hall well amplified the sounds that emanated from the stage dais where the Dalesmen were congregated.
Ossie Reid entertained the audience with the first solo slot of the evening singing ‘Wind beneath my Wings’ after which the choir continued their concert renditions with ‘Yesterday’, ‘Walk Away’, ‘There’s Nothing Like a Dame’, ’76 Trombones’ and finally ‘Bring Him Home’ from the hit musical ‘Les Miserables’.
To end the first part of the concert Paul Sheward sang the second solo slot for the evening with the opening song from the musical Oklahoma ‘O What a Beautiful Morning’.
A short twenty minute break followed to allow coffee, tea or the occasional tipple to be consumed.
The choir opened the second part of the concert with ‘The Rhythm of Life’, What Would I Do Without My Music’, ‘Llanfair’ and ‘American Trilogy’.
David Weston then sang the third solo song for the evening when he delivered ‘When Soft Voices Die’.
Paul Marshall then graciously handed the baton to Assistant MD John Lloyd who conducted the choir for the well-known Welsh song ‘Gwahoddiad’. This stirring melody was followed by a much quieter offering from the choir of ‘Lullaby’.
With Paul Marshall again at the helm, the choir finished the evening’s entertainment with ‘Sloop John B’, ‘The Gospel Train’ and ‘Christus Salvador’.
Refusing to let the choir disengage with claims for ‘More…more..’ the choir duly complied and sang ‘You Raise Me Up’ which finally brought the entertainment to a close.
It had been an excellent evening of musical entertainment and doubtless with a spring in their steps and songs in their hearts, the audience and the choir dispersed to retire on this, the eve of commencement of British Summer Time.
The Dalesmen Sing with Karen England at the Breadsall Music Festival
Saturday 11th March 2017
The Breadsall Music Festival has grown over the years and this was the second time that the Dalesmen had been invited to sing there. The mission of the Festival is to provide world class music in a village setting something this particular evening would live up to and it is always a special occasion when Karen England joins the DMVC in a concert.
The concert started with Anne de Waal welcoming the Dalesmen to sing at the Festival for the second time and that it was a delight to have Karen England (one of the Opera Babes) to sing in this wonderful church.
Karen then took to the stage accompanied by Dana de Waal at the piano and set the evening off to a fine start by singing pieces composed by Puccini, Gluck, Henry Purcell and Mozart.
She had chosen some songs that she had not sung since a young girl when she was taught by Barbara Lowe, Patron of the Festival and herself a member of the Royal Opera Company in Covent Garden for 21 years. Barbara Lowe was in the audience.
The Dalesmen continued the first half singing “Let All Men Sing”, “The Rose”, “Yesterday”, “Walk Away”, “What would I do without my Music”, with the “Rhythm of Life” bringing the first half to a close, Paul Marshall encouraging the audience to clap along with the rhythm of the closing song, which they did.
Karen returned to the stage in another beautiful dress to sing “O Mio Babbino Caro” and an aria from Bizet’s Carmen. She continued with “I Feel Pretty” and “Somewhere” (both from one of her best loved musicals Westside Story). “Wishing you were somehow here” from Phantom of the Opera provided a dramatic end to her performance.
The church had been filled with the sound of her beautiful voice that could have been a difficult act to follow, but the Dalesmen rose to the occasion for their second session of songs.
They began by dedicating their first song “There is Nothing Like a Dame” to Karen. Ossie Rees celebrated his birthday by singing the solo slots and he was then given a rousing rendition of ‘Happy Birthday’.
‘American Trilogy’, ‘Bring Him Home’, ‘Sloop John B’ and ‘You Raise Me up’ concluded the second half.
However the Dalesmen never miss a chance to sing with Karen and this time they had chosen “You’ll Never Walk Alone”. What a way to finish a concert.
The musical talent of Derbyshire was certainly on show, a concert which had everything, beautiful gowns, songs from opera, musicals, pop and traditional choir pieces.
Saturday 11th March 2017
The Breadsall Music Festival has grown over the years and this was the second time that the Dalesmen had been invited to sing there. The mission of the Festival is to provide world class music in a village setting something this particular evening would live up to and it is always a special occasion when Karen England joins the DMVC in a concert.
The concert started with Anne de Waal welcoming the Dalesmen to sing at the Festival for the second time and that it was a delight to have Karen England (one of the Opera Babes) to sing in this wonderful church.
Karen then took to the stage accompanied by Dana de Waal at the piano and set the evening off to a fine start by singing pieces composed by Puccini, Gluck, Henry Purcell and Mozart.
She had chosen some songs that she had not sung since a young girl when she was taught by Barbara Lowe, Patron of the Festival and herself a member of the Royal Opera Company in Covent Garden for 21 years. Barbara Lowe was in the audience.
The Dalesmen continued the first half singing “Let All Men Sing”, “The Rose”, “Yesterday”, “Walk Away”, “What would I do without my Music”, with the “Rhythm of Life” bringing the first half to a close, Paul Marshall encouraging the audience to clap along with the rhythm of the closing song, which they did.
Karen returned to the stage in another beautiful dress to sing “O Mio Babbino Caro” and an aria from Bizet’s Carmen. She continued with “I Feel Pretty” and “Somewhere” (both from one of her best loved musicals Westside Story). “Wishing you were somehow here” from Phantom of the Opera provided a dramatic end to her performance.
The church had been filled with the sound of her beautiful voice that could have been a difficult act to follow, but the Dalesmen rose to the occasion for their second session of songs.
They began by dedicating their first song “There is Nothing Like a Dame” to Karen. Ossie Rees celebrated his birthday by singing the solo slots and he was then given a rousing rendition of ‘Happy Birthday’.
‘American Trilogy’, ‘Bring Him Home’, ‘Sloop John B’ and ‘You Raise Me up’ concluded the second half.
However the Dalesmen never miss a chance to sing with Karen and this time they had chosen “You’ll Never Walk Alone”. What a way to finish a concert.
The musical talent of Derbyshire was certainly on show, a concert which had everything, beautiful gowns, songs from opera, musicals, pop and traditional choir pieces.
Grange Banqueting Suite
Saturday 25th February 2017
The first concert of 2017 raises £1,000 for Children First Derby
The first concert of the New Year took place at a new venue for the Dalesmen, the Grange Banqueting Suite, Littleover, HQ of the Derbyshire Freemasons and hosted by Tudor Lodge who meet at the Grange.
The concert would be held in aid of Children First Derby a local based charity working with children and families to make a positive impact on their lives and in the local community.
With a near capacity audience of 140 seated in the main masonic temple the evening commenced with the concert organiser, Ken Levasseur, Worshipful Master of Tudor Lodge welcoming everyone and thanking them for their support.
James Roberson, a reporter for BBC East Midlands Today and one of the Patrons of the choir, had kindly offered to give some of his precious time to compere the evening and he introduced John Lloyd (Deputy Musical Director who conducted the choir on this occasion) and Bill Templeman (who had delayed his holiday to accompany the choir at this event).
John had chosen a programme of the Choir's favourite pieces commencing with “It’s a Grand Night for Singing”. This was followed by “The Rose”, “76 Trombones” and “Llanfair”.
The first solo of the evening was sung by Ossie Rees who chose “My Little Welsh Home” and followed by Paul Sheward with “The Hippopotamus Song” with the audience joining in the chorus.
The Dalesmen concluded with “My Dearest Dear”, “Walk Away”, “Sloop John B”, “Myfanwy”, with “The Rhythm of Life” bringing the first half to a close.
The second half started with “Gwahoddiad” and was followed by “The Gospel Train”, “You’ll Never Walk Alone” and “What Would I Do Without My Music”.
David Weston dedicated his solo “Over The Rainbow” to friend Brenda, who sadly had died in January this year. Brenda loved rainbows.
Paul Sheward then took the audience to the South Pacific with “Some Enchanted Evening”.
This brought the Dalesmen to their last set of songs “Lullaby”, “Bring Him Home”, “American Trilogy”, “You Raise Me Up” and “Christus Salvator” with an encore of “Morte Christe”.
The singing was followed by a buffet with plenty of tables available so everyone had the opportunity to sit and chat with friends and enjoy the buffet.
A very enjoyable evening of music and food that raised £1,000 for the Charity. To say the charity was elated with this donation was an understatement !!
Saturday 25th February 2017
The first concert of 2017 raises £1,000 for Children First Derby
The first concert of the New Year took place at a new venue for the Dalesmen, the Grange Banqueting Suite, Littleover, HQ of the Derbyshire Freemasons and hosted by Tudor Lodge who meet at the Grange.
The concert would be held in aid of Children First Derby a local based charity working with children and families to make a positive impact on their lives and in the local community.
With a near capacity audience of 140 seated in the main masonic temple the evening commenced with the concert organiser, Ken Levasseur, Worshipful Master of Tudor Lodge welcoming everyone and thanking them for their support.
James Roberson, a reporter for BBC East Midlands Today and one of the Patrons of the choir, had kindly offered to give some of his precious time to compere the evening and he introduced John Lloyd (Deputy Musical Director who conducted the choir on this occasion) and Bill Templeman (who had delayed his holiday to accompany the choir at this event).
John had chosen a programme of the Choir's favourite pieces commencing with “It’s a Grand Night for Singing”. This was followed by “The Rose”, “76 Trombones” and “Llanfair”.
The first solo of the evening was sung by Ossie Rees who chose “My Little Welsh Home” and followed by Paul Sheward with “The Hippopotamus Song” with the audience joining in the chorus.
The Dalesmen concluded with “My Dearest Dear”, “Walk Away”, “Sloop John B”, “Myfanwy”, with “The Rhythm of Life” bringing the first half to a close.
The second half started with “Gwahoddiad” and was followed by “The Gospel Train”, “You’ll Never Walk Alone” and “What Would I Do Without My Music”.
David Weston dedicated his solo “Over The Rainbow” to friend Brenda, who sadly had died in January this year. Brenda loved rainbows.
Paul Sheward then took the audience to the South Pacific with “Some Enchanted Evening”.
This brought the Dalesmen to their last set of songs “Lullaby”, “Bring Him Home”, “American Trilogy”, “You Raise Me Up” and “Christus Salvator” with an encore of “Morte Christe”.
The singing was followed by a buffet with plenty of tables available so everyone had the opportunity to sit and chat with friends and enjoy the buffet.
A very enjoyable evening of music and food that raised £1,000 for the Charity. To say the charity was elated with this donation was an understatement !!
Saturday December 17th 2016
St Peters Church, Chesterfield Road, Belper
The Dalesmen pull a Christmas Cracker of music at St. Peter’s, Belper
With the Dalesmen assembled on their staging and everyone in place it was time for the cracker to come to life with “Joy to the World”, “Mistletoe and Wine” and “Deck the Hall” from the Dalesmen
The first Carol of the evening was “O come all ye faithful” with Elspeth Chatto adding a regal tone to the concert as she played the trumpet standing on the balcony in front of the organ. Elspeth was one of the runners-up in this year's Dalesmen sponsored Student Award music competition.
Pianist Rosie Kreit, another contender from the competition provided us with a beautiful solo piano rendition of Schubert’s Impromptu Opus 90, No. 3 in G Flat Major.
The South East Derbyshire Music Centre Concert Band (SEDMCB), formed from young musicians from the Centre, then took to the stage, and entertained the audience with “Rudolf the red nose reindeer”, “Troika” and “A rollicking Christmas”.
Emma Benson another contestant from our Student Award competition and an ex member of SEDMCB winged us away to Romania by playing movements from Bartok’s “Romanian Dances” (violin soloist).
Following the audience Carol “O Little town of Bethlehem”, Elspeth Chatto sprinkled more Christmas spirit by solo playing “God Rest ye Merry Gentlemen”.
Dressed in their striking grey and yellow uniforms and adorned with festive tinsel the Pottery School Choir used the Dalesmen’s staging for their performance. Their joy was obvious and their big smiles said everything about what Christmas is meant to be. They stole the show singing “Midnight”, “The Child”, and “It was on a Starry Night”. This medley of songs completed the first half of the concert and during the interval the ubiquitous Dalesladies were kept busy serving the drinks and delicious Croots mince pies.
The second half of the concert started with “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year” from SEDMCB followed by more songs from the Pottery School Choir (“The Weather Report”, “Sledging” and “Hey Father Christmas”). The SEDMCB then continued with “White Christmas” and “Merry Christmas Everyone”.
Emma Benson then gave a dreamy violin rendition of “Walking in the Air” (the theme tune from the animated Christmas TV film “The Snowman”) to a piano accompaniment.
A further audience carol, “While Shepherds Watched…”, another Elspeth Chatto trumpet solo, “Rhondo” (from Te Deum) and Dalesmen soloist Paul Sheward's “O Holy Night” brought the concert to the closing songs from the Dalesmen Choir “Do you hear what I hear”, “Christ-child in the manger” and finally “Christus Salvator”.
As a finale and with everyone singing, the timeless Christmas carol “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” accompanied by Elspeth Chatto on the trumpet and the church organ in full swell brought the evening to a close.
This truly was musical Christmastime at its best with a great atmosphere, performers of all ages and with music taking all in attendance on a festive journey to the four corners of the world.
What a great start to Christmas 2016 !
St Peters Church, Chesterfield Road, Belper
The Dalesmen pull a Christmas Cracker of music at St. Peter’s, Belper
With the Dalesmen assembled on their staging and everyone in place it was time for the cracker to come to life with “Joy to the World”, “Mistletoe and Wine” and “Deck the Hall” from the Dalesmen
The first Carol of the evening was “O come all ye faithful” with Elspeth Chatto adding a regal tone to the concert as she played the trumpet standing on the balcony in front of the organ. Elspeth was one of the runners-up in this year's Dalesmen sponsored Student Award music competition.
Pianist Rosie Kreit, another contender from the competition provided us with a beautiful solo piano rendition of Schubert’s Impromptu Opus 90, No. 3 in G Flat Major.
The South East Derbyshire Music Centre Concert Band (SEDMCB), formed from young musicians from the Centre, then took to the stage, and entertained the audience with “Rudolf the red nose reindeer”, “Troika” and “A rollicking Christmas”.
Emma Benson another contestant from our Student Award competition and an ex member of SEDMCB winged us away to Romania by playing movements from Bartok’s “Romanian Dances” (violin soloist).
Following the audience Carol “O Little town of Bethlehem”, Elspeth Chatto sprinkled more Christmas spirit by solo playing “God Rest ye Merry Gentlemen”.
Dressed in their striking grey and yellow uniforms and adorned with festive tinsel the Pottery School Choir used the Dalesmen’s staging for their performance. Their joy was obvious and their big smiles said everything about what Christmas is meant to be. They stole the show singing “Midnight”, “The Child”, and “It was on a Starry Night”. This medley of songs completed the first half of the concert and during the interval the ubiquitous Dalesladies were kept busy serving the drinks and delicious Croots mince pies.
The second half of the concert started with “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year” from SEDMCB followed by more songs from the Pottery School Choir (“The Weather Report”, “Sledging” and “Hey Father Christmas”). The SEDMCB then continued with “White Christmas” and “Merry Christmas Everyone”.
Emma Benson then gave a dreamy violin rendition of “Walking in the Air” (the theme tune from the animated Christmas TV film “The Snowman”) to a piano accompaniment.
A further audience carol, “While Shepherds Watched…”, another Elspeth Chatto trumpet solo, “Rhondo” (from Te Deum) and Dalesmen soloist Paul Sheward's “O Holy Night” brought the concert to the closing songs from the Dalesmen Choir “Do you hear what I hear”, “Christ-child in the manger” and finally “Christus Salvator”.
As a finale and with everyone singing, the timeless Christmas carol “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” accompanied by Elspeth Chatto on the trumpet and the church organ in full swell brought the evening to a close.
This truly was musical Christmastime at its best with a great atmosphere, performers of all ages and with music taking all in attendance on a festive journey to the four corners of the world.
What a great start to Christmas 2016 !
Saturday December 10th 2016
Matlock Methodist and United Reform Church
The Matlock Methodist and United Reform Church was the venue of the choir’s first festive concert in their busy Christmas period this year on Saturday December 10th.
Bill Templeman accompanied the choir and John Lloyd conducted.
The entertainment comprised some twenty songs additionally interspersed with a selection of traditional Christmas carols, including three Christmas solos sung respectively by Ossie Rees, Dave Weston & Paul Sheward.
During the intermission, Bill Templeman entertained the audience and demonstrated his versatility by playing on the piano and the church organ.
After both song sessions had been completed, the concert concluded with a big thank you from the organisers, who specifically mentioned how surprised they were at the versatility of the choir and the wide range of music sung from “The Rhythm of Life” to “Llullaby" requesting an encore. This was happily provided in the form of “Llanfair”.
The choir are now looking forward to the concert at St. Peter’s, Belper which hopefully will be a Christmas cracker. That’s on Saturday 17th December (hopefully it won’t be raining!!)
Matlock Methodist and United Reform Church
The Matlock Methodist and United Reform Church was the venue of the choir’s first festive concert in their busy Christmas period this year on Saturday December 10th.
Bill Templeman accompanied the choir and John Lloyd conducted.
The entertainment comprised some twenty songs additionally interspersed with a selection of traditional Christmas carols, including three Christmas solos sung respectively by Ossie Rees, Dave Weston & Paul Sheward.
During the intermission, Bill Templeman entertained the audience and demonstrated his versatility by playing on the piano and the church organ.
After both song sessions had been completed, the concert concluded with a big thank you from the organisers, who specifically mentioned how surprised they were at the versatility of the choir and the wide range of music sung from “The Rhythm of Life” to “Llullaby" requesting an encore. This was happily provided in the form of “Llanfair”.
The choir are now looking forward to the concert at St. Peter’s, Belper which hopefully will be a Christmas cracker. That’s on Saturday 17th December (hopefully it won’t be raining!!)
Saturday October 15th 2016
Trinity Methodist Church, Loughborough
The Loughborough Male Voice Choir took to the stage to start the concert With a Voice of Singing……………..a wonderful theme for the evening.
He Ain’t Heavy was their next choice a song, followed by The Rhythm of Life (with Michael Dukes of their choir joining their pianist Becky Morton to provide a four handed musical accompaniment).
The Loughborough choir then sung a medley of songs from Wagner’s opera Rienzi. Their choice was The Roman War Song and Speed Your Journey.
Their first half concluded with their Linden Gardner singing Goodbye (a Victorian parlour song and one of the most famous of Victorian goodbye songs that saves its emotional climax to the very end).
The Dalesmen’s opening session commenced with soloist Paul Sheward singing Bless This House. With the rest of the choir then on the stage the Dalesmen continued with It’s A Grand Night For Singing, Yesterday, Walk Away, Lullaby and finally The Gospel Train, which closed the first half of the concert for the interval.
The second half commenced with Loughborough MVC taking to the stage again and opening with Morte Christe, with a solo in the middle by Linden Gardner. This was followed by a celebration of composer Bizet’s serenades, then Happy Together and finishing with a past rugby union World Cup theme song The World in Union.
The Dalesmen returned and our very own MD, Paul Marshall sang a solo Still Hurting from the new musical written by Jason Brown The Last Five Years (a musical which traces the story of two New Yorkers who fall in and out of love over the course of five years). Paul was ably accompanied on the piano by new choir member Robin Fugill.
The choir’s second set of songs would include some audience favourites What Would I Do Without My Music, 76 Trombones, Your Raise Me Up, I write the songs and Christus Salvator.
With both choirs now on stage the concert built to a fantastic conclusion. Chris Hill, Loughborough Choir’s MD conducted both choirs in You’ll Never Walk Alone and then Gwahoddiad conducted by Paul Marshall and accompanied by Chris Hill on the church organ brought this great concert to an end.
With lots of farewells and an invitation for Loughborough MVC to visit Derbyshire in 2017 for a joint concert with us (they celebrate 50 years of singing and we 30 years of the doing the same thing) it was time to board the coach and return to home.
Trinity Methodist Church, Loughborough
The Loughborough Male Voice Choir took to the stage to start the concert With a Voice of Singing……………..a wonderful theme for the evening.
He Ain’t Heavy was their next choice a song, followed by The Rhythm of Life (with Michael Dukes of their choir joining their pianist Becky Morton to provide a four handed musical accompaniment).
The Loughborough choir then sung a medley of songs from Wagner’s opera Rienzi. Their choice was The Roman War Song and Speed Your Journey.
Their first half concluded with their Linden Gardner singing Goodbye (a Victorian parlour song and one of the most famous of Victorian goodbye songs that saves its emotional climax to the very end).
The Dalesmen’s opening session commenced with soloist Paul Sheward singing Bless This House. With the rest of the choir then on the stage the Dalesmen continued with It’s A Grand Night For Singing, Yesterday, Walk Away, Lullaby and finally The Gospel Train, which closed the first half of the concert for the interval.
The second half commenced with Loughborough MVC taking to the stage again and opening with Morte Christe, with a solo in the middle by Linden Gardner. This was followed by a celebration of composer Bizet’s serenades, then Happy Together and finishing with a past rugby union World Cup theme song The World in Union.
The Dalesmen returned and our very own MD, Paul Marshall sang a solo Still Hurting from the new musical written by Jason Brown The Last Five Years (a musical which traces the story of two New Yorkers who fall in and out of love over the course of five years). Paul was ably accompanied on the piano by new choir member Robin Fugill.
The choir’s second set of songs would include some audience favourites What Would I Do Without My Music, 76 Trombones, Your Raise Me Up, I write the songs and Christus Salvator.
With both choirs now on stage the concert built to a fantastic conclusion. Chris Hill, Loughborough Choir’s MD conducted both choirs in You’ll Never Walk Alone and then Gwahoddiad conducted by Paul Marshall and accompanied by Chris Hill on the church organ brought this great concert to an end.
With lots of farewells and an invitation for Loughborough MVC to visit Derbyshire in 2017 for a joint concert with us (they celebrate 50 years of singing and we 30 years of the doing the same thing) it was time to board the coach and return to home.
Saturday October 8th 2016
Concert at St Edmunds church, Allestree, Derby
The church of St Edmunds, Allestree was full for this charity concert on Saturday evening, 8th October.
Most of the concerts that the Dalesmen take part in are shared with other choirs but this would be a different kind of evening. The church organist, David Redfern, would be playing for us as proceeds from the event were to go to the church organ repair fund.
The choir set the tone for the evening with their first session which comprised It’s a Grand Night for Singing, Sloop John B, The Rose, 76 Trombones, My Dearest Dear, Morte Christie and finishing with The Rhythm of Life.
David Redfern then delighted the audience with a melody of orchestral pieces played beautifully on the church organ. He started with The Seven Seas March followed by Villia and the waltz from The Merry Widow, In a Monastery Garden and, leading up to the interval, a link to the world of Cinema with three theme tunes by composer John Williams (Superman, Jurassic Park and Raiders of the Lost Ark).
After a brief intermission for refreshments and with everyone back in their seats, David continued with his organ recital. First he took the audience with him to Italy with Funiculi Funicula and followed this with a medley of English songs under the title of The Savoy Hunting Medley. A local composer’s song was included in this session with The Elizabethan Serenade (written by Ronald Binge. Ronald was born in Derbyshire). The Nun’s Chorus, a selection from The White Horse Inn was followed with the final offering, that Stirling composition by Eric Coates, The Dambuster’s March. The audience showed their appreciation for this musical entertainment with prolonged applause
The Dalesmen then took to the stage for their second session of songs which comprised Gwahoddiad, Walk Away, You Raise Me Up, What Would I Do Without My Music, Bring Him Home, Christus Salvator and finally American Trilogy (with David Redfern also in support).
A thoroughly enjoyable concert with the Dalesmen and David Redfern receiving very appreciative and well deserved applause and cheers for bringing rays of sunshine to the ever-increasingly subdued autumn evenings.
Concert at St Edmunds church, Allestree, Derby
The church of St Edmunds, Allestree was full for this charity concert on Saturday evening, 8th October.
Most of the concerts that the Dalesmen take part in are shared with other choirs but this would be a different kind of evening. The church organist, David Redfern, would be playing for us as proceeds from the event were to go to the church organ repair fund.
The choir set the tone for the evening with their first session which comprised It’s a Grand Night for Singing, Sloop John B, The Rose, 76 Trombones, My Dearest Dear, Morte Christie and finishing with The Rhythm of Life.
David Redfern then delighted the audience with a melody of orchestral pieces played beautifully on the church organ. He started with The Seven Seas March followed by Villia and the waltz from The Merry Widow, In a Monastery Garden and, leading up to the interval, a link to the world of Cinema with three theme tunes by composer John Williams (Superman, Jurassic Park and Raiders of the Lost Ark).
After a brief intermission for refreshments and with everyone back in their seats, David continued with his organ recital. First he took the audience with him to Italy with Funiculi Funicula and followed this with a medley of English songs under the title of The Savoy Hunting Medley. A local composer’s song was included in this session with The Elizabethan Serenade (written by Ronald Binge. Ronald was born in Derbyshire). The Nun’s Chorus, a selection from The White Horse Inn was followed with the final offering, that Stirling composition by Eric Coates, The Dambuster’s March. The audience showed their appreciation for this musical entertainment with prolonged applause
The Dalesmen then took to the stage for their second session of songs which comprised Gwahoddiad, Walk Away, You Raise Me Up, What Would I Do Without My Music, Bring Him Home, Christus Salvator and finally American Trilogy (with David Redfern also in support).
A thoroughly enjoyable concert with the Dalesmen and David Redfern receiving very appreciative and well deserved applause and cheers for bringing rays of sunshine to the ever-increasingly subdued autumn evenings.
Joint Concert with Beaufort Male Choir
Saturday August 27th 2016
St Peters Church, Belper
The members of the Beaufort Male Voice Choir were on a tour of the East Midlands having already sung with the Eastwood Collieries Choir on the Friday, followed by street singing at St. Peter’s Cross in Derby they had this opportunity in Belper to show their mettle, together with the guest soloists and the Dalesmen Male Voice Choir the audience were treated to a fabulous evening of musical entertainment.
The evening's music started (as it was long going to continue) in fine style with the choir's rendition of “Rachie”. It was clear that we were all in for an evening of sheer musical delight as their collective dynamics, tone, diction and volume were truly amazing!
They followed up with four further offerings, “Benedictus”, “All I have to do is dream”, “De animals a comin' “ and finally a medley of hits from the superstar rock band “Queen” (Freddie Mercury eat your heart out!). Queen's music set to a four part Welsh choir harmony……unforgettable!
The audience were then treated to two superb trumpet solos from Elspeth Chatto, award winning Dalesmen Student Award competitor and then the Dalesmen MVC took their places and sang four songs from their 2016 repertoire, starting with “Let there be peace on earth” followed by “What would I do without my music”, “Bridge over troubled water” and finishing with a first-time rendition of “I write the songs”. As the applause subsided, it was then interval time.
Beaufort MC kicked off the second part of the joint concert with “MacNamara's Band” with MD Craig James taking the lead role in the verses and the choir the chorus lines.
Four more songs followed “The Lord's my shepherd”, Jacob's ladder”, “Tell my father” and a stunning finale of a medley of songs from the hit musical Billy Elliott.
It was then time for Chloe Linkens, another of the Dalesmen MVC Student Award winning soloists to take to the stage with her pedal harp and woo the audience with three beautiful and enchanting harp melodies.
Then it was the Dalesmen MVC again. Four songs from their repertoire entertained the audience in the second part of the concert, interspersed with (just for the Beaufort Choir) a rendition of “Myfanwy” SUNG IN WELSH ! The visiting choir, to a man, gave the Dalesmen a standing ovation for this endeavour, much to the delight of John Lloyd, who had taken over the role of choir MD just for this one item.
“American Trilogy”, “Bring him home”, “My Way” and finally “Rhythm of Life” were the four repertoire songs by the Dalesmen but that was not the end of proceedings.
The two choirs joined forces for the last two songs of the evening.
“The Rose” with Craig James as joint choir MD, was followed by “You'll never walk alone” with Paul Marshall substituting Craig were both enthusiastically received and when the applause had subsided, everyone withdrew to the hub-bub of a gratified audience.
Off to the ‘After Glow' at Nailers and what a session!!
Saturday August 27th 2016
St Peters Church, Belper
The members of the Beaufort Male Voice Choir were on a tour of the East Midlands having already sung with the Eastwood Collieries Choir on the Friday, followed by street singing at St. Peter’s Cross in Derby they had this opportunity in Belper to show their mettle, together with the guest soloists and the Dalesmen Male Voice Choir the audience were treated to a fabulous evening of musical entertainment.
The evening's music started (as it was long going to continue) in fine style with the choir's rendition of “Rachie”. It was clear that we were all in for an evening of sheer musical delight as their collective dynamics, tone, diction and volume were truly amazing!
They followed up with four further offerings, “Benedictus”, “All I have to do is dream”, “De animals a comin' “ and finally a medley of hits from the superstar rock band “Queen” (Freddie Mercury eat your heart out!). Queen's music set to a four part Welsh choir harmony……unforgettable!
The audience were then treated to two superb trumpet solos from Elspeth Chatto, award winning Dalesmen Student Award competitor and then the Dalesmen MVC took their places and sang four songs from their 2016 repertoire, starting with “Let there be peace on earth” followed by “What would I do without my music”, “Bridge over troubled water” and finishing with a first-time rendition of “I write the songs”. As the applause subsided, it was then interval time.
Beaufort MC kicked off the second part of the joint concert with “MacNamara's Band” with MD Craig James taking the lead role in the verses and the choir the chorus lines.
Four more songs followed “The Lord's my shepherd”, Jacob's ladder”, “Tell my father” and a stunning finale of a medley of songs from the hit musical Billy Elliott.
It was then time for Chloe Linkens, another of the Dalesmen MVC Student Award winning soloists to take to the stage with her pedal harp and woo the audience with three beautiful and enchanting harp melodies.
Then it was the Dalesmen MVC again. Four songs from their repertoire entertained the audience in the second part of the concert, interspersed with (just for the Beaufort Choir) a rendition of “Myfanwy” SUNG IN WELSH ! The visiting choir, to a man, gave the Dalesmen a standing ovation for this endeavour, much to the delight of John Lloyd, who had taken over the role of choir MD just for this one item.
“American Trilogy”, “Bring him home”, “My Way” and finally “Rhythm of Life” were the four repertoire songs by the Dalesmen but that was not the end of proceedings.
The two choirs joined forces for the last two songs of the evening.
“The Rose” with Craig James as joint choir MD, was followed by “You'll never walk alone” with Paul Marshall substituting Craig were both enthusiastically received and when the applause had subsided, everyone withdrew to the hub-bub of a gratified audience.
Off to the ‘After Glow' at Nailers and what a session!!
Coxbench Hall Garden Party
Sunday August 7th 2016
It was a hot and blustery Sunday afternoon when the choir congregated at Coxbench Hall, well in time for the 2:00 pm start.
Despite the traffic rumble from the nearby A38 trunk road, the small aviary in the garden and the blustery wind, the choir were up for the challenge!
After a few songs and having moved nearer to the seated audience, things definitely improved for the singers & listeners.
Dave Weston delivered a solo rendition of “Shall we Dance” from Roger’s & Hammerstein’s “The King & I” and the Dalesmen sang a variety of songs from their repertoire.
After a very refreshing break the choir re-assembled for the second half of the concert, once again moving even nearer to the audience, so the music would carry better.
Mick Clarke starred by singing “Love is a many-splendored thing” from the 1950's Academy Award winning musical of the same name.
The whole afternoon was a splendid affair, the company was convivial and the ambience of Coxbench Hall on a hot summer’s afternoon was second to none.
Sunday August 7th 2016
It was a hot and blustery Sunday afternoon when the choir congregated at Coxbench Hall, well in time for the 2:00 pm start.
Despite the traffic rumble from the nearby A38 trunk road, the small aviary in the garden and the blustery wind, the choir were up for the challenge!
After a few songs and having moved nearer to the seated audience, things definitely improved for the singers & listeners.
Dave Weston delivered a solo rendition of “Shall we Dance” from Roger’s & Hammerstein’s “The King & I” and the Dalesmen sang a variety of songs from their repertoire.
After a very refreshing break the choir re-assembled for the second half of the concert, once again moving even nearer to the audience, so the music would carry better.
Mick Clarke starred by singing “Love is a many-splendored thing” from the 1950's Academy Award winning musical of the same name.
The whole afternoon was a splendid affair, the company was convivial and the ambience of Coxbench Hall on a hot summer’s afternoon was second to none.
50th Celebration Of 1966 World Cup Win
50 years since football came home, Derby Cathedral hosted an evening of celebration of the 1966 World Cup win to which the Dalesmen were invited to sing, showing their versatility at a unique evening of song and stories from the 60’s.
To celebrate the finest moment in England’s football history, a day people will never forget, Don Amott had organised an evening at the Cathedral to rekindle Derby’s memories of this special era.
Meeting on Friday evening, July 29th at 6:00pm there was plenty of time to get into the celebratory mood and at 6:30 the Dalesmen assembled outside to sing several songs with quite a number of passers-by intrigued as to what was going on, providing a good audience. The Dalesmen donned red and white football shirts, red shirts, white shirts, red ties, and white ties (and some other unmentionables!).
The Dalesmen had managed to obtain the words and music for “World Cup Willie”, the tournament’s patriotic signature sing-along song which they sang twice with great enthusiasm, with much waving of their flags. However, during their first rendition they ended up competing with the sound of numerous scooters from the era arriving in the area in front of the Cathedral!
Once inside, The Dalesmen started the evening’s proceedings with more songs from the Sixties, “Sloop John B”, “Yesterday”, “You’ll Never Walk Alone” , again accompanied by much patriotic flag waving.
After some guest speakers, including BBC Radio Derby’s ‘voice of football’ Graham Richards the Dalesmen concluded the evening by once again singing “World Cup Willie” but this time without any scooter noise but with the audience joining them in the Chorus.
Two further songs (“Walk Away” and the “Rhythm of Life”) completed their contribution and with everyone standing, two verses of the National Anthem were sung and the evening concluded with the immortal words spoken by Kenneth Wolstenholme, the BBC television match commentator, as the 4th England goal ballooned the back of the German goal net
“ ……they think it’s all over……it is now”
To celebrate the finest moment in England’s football history, a day people will never forget, Don Amott had organised an evening at the Cathedral to rekindle Derby’s memories of this special era.
Meeting on Friday evening, July 29th at 6:00pm there was plenty of time to get into the celebratory mood and at 6:30 the Dalesmen assembled outside to sing several songs with quite a number of passers-by intrigued as to what was going on, providing a good audience. The Dalesmen donned red and white football shirts, red shirts, white shirts, red ties, and white ties (and some other unmentionables!).
The Dalesmen had managed to obtain the words and music for “World Cup Willie”, the tournament’s patriotic signature sing-along song which they sang twice with great enthusiasm, with much waving of their flags. However, during their first rendition they ended up competing with the sound of numerous scooters from the era arriving in the area in front of the Cathedral!
Once inside, The Dalesmen started the evening’s proceedings with more songs from the Sixties, “Sloop John B”, “Yesterday”, “You’ll Never Walk Alone” , again accompanied by much patriotic flag waving.
After some guest speakers, including BBC Radio Derby’s ‘voice of football’ Graham Richards the Dalesmen concluded the evening by once again singing “World Cup Willie” but this time without any scooter noise but with the audience joining them in the Chorus.
Two further songs (“Walk Away” and the “Rhythm of Life”) completed their contribution and with everyone standing, two verses of the National Anthem were sung and the evening concluded with the immortal words spoken by Kenneth Wolstenholme, the BBC television match commentator, as the 4th England goal ballooned the back of the German goal net
“ ……they think it’s all over……it is now”
The Dalesmen travel to Brewood (Staffs) for a joint concert with the Brewood Singers
The Brewood Singers took to the stage dressed in black with the ladies wearing their pale lilac coloured scarves.
Under the direction of their Musical Director, David Brookes they sung a melody of very popular songs by James Horner (Somewhere Out There), Bart Howard (Fly me to the Moon), Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus, of Abba fame (I Have a Dream) and the much loved God Only Knows by Brian Wilson & Tony Asher which was written for the American hit group ‘The Beachboys’.
David then introduced The Dalesmen MVC and to a computer generated multi-coloured lighting backdrop and under the direction of Choir MD Paul Marshall delivered four songs to the audience, including ‘There is nothing like a Dame’ (dedicated to the lady members of Brewood Singers).
After a short break for old friends to reminisce the Dalesmen sung a further five favourites from their repertoire.
In the second half of the concert the Brewood Singers returned to deliver four songs, including one of the Dalesmen’s favourites, The Rose, but to a different and beautiful arrangement penned by their MD himself together with a couple of songs from recent popular Disney family films.
The evening finished in grand style with a totally unrehearsed but thoroughly enjoyable joint rendition of ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’.
Under the direction of their Musical Director, David Brookes they sung a melody of very popular songs by James Horner (Somewhere Out There), Bart Howard (Fly me to the Moon), Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus, of Abba fame (I Have a Dream) and the much loved God Only Knows by Brian Wilson & Tony Asher which was written for the American hit group ‘The Beachboys’.
David then introduced The Dalesmen MVC and to a computer generated multi-coloured lighting backdrop and under the direction of Choir MD Paul Marshall delivered four songs to the audience, including ‘There is nothing like a Dame’ (dedicated to the lady members of Brewood Singers).
After a short break for old friends to reminisce the Dalesmen sung a further five favourites from their repertoire.
In the second half of the concert the Brewood Singers returned to deliver four songs, including one of the Dalesmen’s favourites, The Rose, but to a different and beautiful arrangement penned by their MD himself together with a couple of songs from recent popular Disney family films.
The evening finished in grand style with a totally unrehearsed but thoroughly enjoyable joint rendition of ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’.
A Grand Celebration for 90 Glorious Years : A celebration to honour the Queen's 90th birthday
On Saturday evening, June 18th 2016 and with all the guests seated in Derby Cathedral, it was time for A Choir’d Taste, Deventio Brass and Il Berberi to perform the famous “Zadok the Priest” by Handel used at all the coronations since George II.
The first half of the programme then continued with music by Vivaldi, Handel and then Gershwin, culminating with a rousing rendition of ‘Rule Britannia’ from soloist Karen England.
After a short refreshment break, Deventio Brass started the second half of the concert with music from Walton. It was then time for The Dalesmen to deliver their concert selection of four songs including ‘There is nothing like a dame’, reputed to be one of the Queen’s favourite songs.
Another four songs followed with Karen England as accompanying soloist and all where then joined by A Choir’d Taste for two more songs.
The evening culminating with with ‘Jurusalem’ and finally the National Anthem.
Around £3,000 was raised for The Padley Centre for the Homeless, the charity nominated by the Cathedral, who hosted the event free of charge.
On Saturday evening, June 18th 2016 and with all the guests seated in Derby Cathedral, it was time for A Choir’d Taste, Deventio Brass and Il Berberi to perform the famous “Zadok the Priest” by Handel used at all the coronations since George II.
The first half of the programme then continued with music by Vivaldi, Handel and then Gershwin, culminating with a rousing rendition of ‘Rule Britannia’ from soloist Karen England.
After a short refreshment break, Deventio Brass started the second half of the concert with music from Walton. It was then time for The Dalesmen to deliver their concert selection of four songs including ‘There is nothing like a dame’, reputed to be one of the Queen’s favourite songs.
Another four songs followed with Karen England as accompanying soloist and all where then joined by A Choir’d Taste for two more songs.
The evening culminating with with ‘Jurusalem’ and finally the National Anthem.
Around £3,000 was raised for The Padley Centre for the Homeless, the charity nominated by the Cathedral, who hosted the event free of charge.
Joint concert with The Drybrook & District Ladies Choir
Following their successful Belper Festival concert at St. Peter’s Church in April (which jointly featured Derwent Brass ensemble) the Dalesmen Male Voice Choir (DMVC) held another joint concert, this time with the Drybrook and District Ladies Choir.
The date was Saturday May 7th and the venue was St Alkmunds Church, Duffield .
The choirs were also joined by flutist Christopher Hill, winner of the DMVC 2016 Student Award Scheme and runner-up in the London Philharmonic Young Musician Competition.
During the first half of the concert the audience was treated to a medley of songs, new and old from the ladies' choir followed by some popular classics played on the flute by award winning soloist Chris Hill.
A Gracie Fields song was then given its interpretation by DMVC soloist Paul Sheward and this was followed by the Dalesmen choir singing some of their popular concert renditions.
A similar format was repeated for the second half of the concert with both choirs joining together for the finale with a rousing delivery of ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ (complete with arm waving audience participation!)
Following their successful Belper Festival concert at St. Peter’s Church in April (which jointly featured Derwent Brass ensemble) the Dalesmen Male Voice Choir (DMVC) held another joint concert, this time with the Drybrook and District Ladies Choir.
The date was Saturday May 7th and the venue was St Alkmunds Church, Duffield .
The choirs were also joined by flutist Christopher Hill, winner of the DMVC 2016 Student Award Scheme and runner-up in the London Philharmonic Young Musician Competition.
During the first half of the concert the audience was treated to a medley of songs, new and old from the ladies' choir followed by some popular classics played on the flute by award winning soloist Chris Hill.
A Gracie Fields song was then given its interpretation by DMVC soloist Paul Sheward and this was followed by the Dalesmen choir singing some of their popular concert renditions.
A similar format was repeated for the second half of the concert with both choirs joining together for the finale with a rousing delivery of ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ (complete with arm waving audience participation!)
The Dalesmen raise £1,000 for their chosen charities at their Christmas Concert at St Peter’s Belper
The Dalesmen’s Annual Christmas Concert was held at St Peter’s, Belper, Co-sponsored by the Rotary Club of Belper and Duffield who assisted with the advertising and promotion . The occasion was shared with Derventio Brass and the Pottery Primary School Choir. As always, this was a lovely family concert performed to a packed church. The Dalesmen sang a variety of carols, arranged for four part male voice choirs, which were well received. Derventio Brass played a selection of music for Christmas and the Pottery School Choir charmed us all with their singing of songs such as “ The weather Report” and “Hey Father Christmas”.
Paul Sheward of the Dalesmen gave a beautiful rendition of “O Holy Night, Emily Kent, the winner of the Dalesmen 2015 ‘Student Award Competition’, sang “ O Magnum Mysterium” and Freya Hartley 7 years old, the Granddaughter of our Chairman John England, stopped the show when she sang ‘Christmas isn’t Christmas.
The evening ended with audience participation in Christmas Carols and raising a total of £1000.00 that was equally divided between our chosen Charities, Age UK, Treetops, Rainbows and a donation to the School Funds at the Pottery School.
The Dalesmen’s Annual Christmas Concert was held at St Peter’s, Belper, Co-sponsored by the Rotary Club of Belper and Duffield who assisted with the advertising and promotion . The occasion was shared with Derventio Brass and the Pottery Primary School Choir. As always, this was a lovely family concert performed to a packed church. The Dalesmen sang a variety of carols, arranged for four part male voice choirs, which were well received. Derventio Brass played a selection of music for Christmas and the Pottery School Choir charmed us all with their singing of songs such as “ The weather Report” and “Hey Father Christmas”.
Paul Sheward of the Dalesmen gave a beautiful rendition of “O Holy Night, Emily Kent, the winner of the Dalesmen 2015 ‘Student Award Competition’, sang “ O Magnum Mysterium” and Freya Hartley 7 years old, the Granddaughter of our Chairman John England, stopped the show when she sang ‘Christmas isn’t Christmas.
The evening ended with audience participation in Christmas Carols and raising a total of £1000.00 that was equally divided between our chosen Charities, Age UK, Treetops, Rainbows and a donation to the School Funds at the Pottery School.