Patrons' concert sell-out

The choir put in a peak performance at the annual Patrons' Concert at Whitgift school on July 3.  The 300-seat concert hall was sold out as the choir performed a wide-ranging repertoire, including one new piece and an audience-participation number. 

Musical director Richard Hoyle presented with commemorative pennant at Whitgift

Patrons and friends flocked to Whitgift for the concert, one of the hottest tickets of the choir season. It is the occasion when CMVC thanks its patrons for their invaluable support during the year.

The choir sang 16 pieces, including the beguiling Benedictus by the modern Welsh composer Robat Arwyn, which it performed for the first time.  The appreciative audience readily joined in the encore number, Chapel of Love.

CMVC president Della Jones, the distinguished international mezzo-soprano, had been due to sing at the concert but sadly had to drop out, on her doctor's orders, with a thoat infection.  In a message read out at the concert, Della promised to sing with the choir during the forthcoming 2010-2011 season.

Two members of the CMVC company stepped in at short notice.  Darren Wilkins performed three enchanting numbers for flute and piccolo, accompanied by Richard Hoyle.  Pianist Lana Bode gave sumptuous performances of Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata and Mozart's Rondo Alla Turca, to rapturous applause.

The audience included two Dutch guests from Arnhem, conducting a reconnaissance ahead of CMVC's planned visit to Arnhem next year.  Both visibly expressed their enthusiasm and sang along with the Chapel of Love encore.

Before the concert, Richard Hoyle was presented with an embroidered pennant by Margaret Dale, wife of bass John Dale, to commemorate his 19 years with the choir.   This was Richard's 101st concert in charge.

Pianist Lana Bode, with husband Gabi, at concert: a sumptuous performance

The choir assembles at Whitgift