Choir flies at St Clement Danes

The Croydon choir gave a sumptuous performance at the RAF Church of Clement Danes in central London on Wednesday 7 December.  The choir was singing in aid of the RAF Benevolent Fund and the concert organiser, Squadron Leader Kevin Mehmet, told the choir afterwards: "You were truly wonderful."  

CMVC lifts off at St Clement Danes.  Photo: David Griffiths

The choir sang eight pieces, starting appropriately with Those Magnificent Men in their Flying Machines and ending with the Hallelujah Chorus.  Musical director Dr Richard Hoyle, who conducted the choir, said: "I particularly enjoyed O Holy Night.  It was one of those performances that seemed to take care of itself.  I had an urge to stop conducting and just listen."

The packed and enthusiastic audience also heard a range of fine solo performers, headed by soprano Ann-Louise Straker and including Bruce Graham, James Irving, Iain Milne and Victoria Whittaker.  Soloists and choir came together for a rendition of The Scrooge Medley by Leslie Bricusse at the end of the concert, followed by a selection of carols performed with the audience.

Richard Hoyle displays Christmas spirit at St Clement Danes.  Photo: David Griffiths

The biennial concert is organised by the 1475 (Dulwich) Squadron of the RAF's Air Training Corps and is known as the Jack Lane DFC Memorial Concert - Jack Lane flew 59 sorties with Bomber Command in World War Two and was awarded the DFC in 1944.

In his comments, Squadron Leader Mehmet, who commands the Dulwich ATC, told the choir: "Congratulations on a brilliant performance. The repertoire was outstanding and very well delivered.  Dr Hoyle's direction was faultless."

The choir followed its St Clement Danes appearance with its traditional Croydon Welsh Christmas concert, held at Shirley Methodist Church on December 10.  It was a suitably relaxed and joyous occasion that ended the choir's concert year.  Sadly the advertised soloist, soprano Sandra Gayer, was unable to attend.  Her place was ably taken by choir tenor Nick Hewitt, and Sandra is likely to appear at a CMVC concert in 2012.

For New Year's message from choir musical director Richard Hoyle, go to Member's Section