Last night, 20th April 2024, was a truly magical evening that I feel so blessed to have been a part of. I had the honour of performing as the guest soloist at the 90th anniversary concert of the Poynton Male Voice Choir, an event that marked not just a celebration of choral music, but also a reunion of long-standing friendships and musical camaraderie.
The evening held a special significance for me as Maurice Hargreaves, the Choir’s president and a dear friend whom I’ve known for over nineteen years, invited me to join in the celebrations. Maurice and I first met at the Hazel Grove Music Festival when I was just twelve years old, and it’s always a joy to reconnect with someone who has supported and believed in my journey from such a young age.
The concert itself was under the skilled musical direction of Eileen Rig, who, despite recently suffering a fall that resulted in a broken arm, led the choir with unwavering dedication and spirit. Her resilience and passion for music were palpable and served as a true inspiration to us all. Accompanying the choir and myself was the wonderfully talented Kath Buckley, whose expertise at the piano brought each piece to life with exquisite finesse.
Adding to the enchantment of the evening, I had the pleasure of wearing the stunning “Midnight Nightingale” dress created by the incredibly talented Resa McConaghy. This exquisite gown, paired with the choir’s vibrant green blazers, presented a striking visual contrast that enhanced the celebratory feel of the night. It felt truly special to perform in such a beautiful piece of art that not only complemented the aesthetic of the evening but also made me feel like a part of a beautifully orchestrated visual ensemble.
My program for the evening was a blend of operatic arias and musical theatre, reflecting my own journey through the genres of music. In the first half, I performed “Think of Me” from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of the Opera, Puccini’s “Quando M’En Vo” from La Bohème, and Donizetti’s “O Luce Di Quest’anima” from Linda di Chamounix – each piece a narrative of emotion and technical challenge that I relish.
The second half of the program was equally thrilling. I sang “Home” from Maury Yeston’s musical Phantom, followed by “Green Finch and Linnet Bird” from Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd, and closed with Bernstein’s show-stopping “Glitter and Be Gay” from Candide. Each song allowed me to explore different facets of my vocal expression and connect with the audience in Poynton’s wonderfully receptive environment.
The response from the audience was heartwarming. The applause and cheers at the end of each set felt like a warm embrace from an old friend, affirming the night’s success and the shared love of music that brought us all together.
Performing with the Poynton Male Voice Choir again was a nostalgic and fulfilling experience. It was delightful to meet so many old friends and familiar faces with whom I’ve shared stages and songs over the years. These moments of reconnection remind me why I cherish the performing arts so deeply – they bring people together, transcending time and space through the universal language of music.
Thank you to everyone who made last night possible and so memorable. Here’s to many more musical milestones and shared successes in the future!