Triumphs all round

30 September Dave Bannister writes:  CMVC anticipated the triumphs of England’s rugby World Cup women and local footie team Crystal Palace’s last minute heroics against Liverpool with a wonderful lunchtime concert in a packed Southwark Cathedral on Saturday, 27 September.

The choir gives its best at Southwark (photo George Taylor)

Tradition demanded that the choir sings in neighbouring Borough Market before the concert to entertain and attract shoppers to the main event. Thronging  crowds surrounded the choir and enthusiastically applauded renditions such as Angels and Nessun Dorma.  Many then followed the choir into the cathedral.

The concert’s first set comprised popular classics, including Carly Simon’s exciting Let the River Run and the reflective Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen. The second set embraced operatic choruses, with Divine Brahma and Soldiers’ Chorus prominent. Between sets choir accompanist Sam Prouse entranced the overflowing aisles with pieces demonstrating the capabilities of the cathedral’s historic organ.

Enjoying the cathedral's magnificent acoustics - Andrew conducting

Sam stayed at the console for the last set which opened with Malotte’s Lord’s Prayer. More than one audience member commented that the combination of choir and organ at the emotional climax of the piece had brought tears to their eyes. Although MD Andrew Moore indicated that the audience could remain seated for the choir’s final Hallelujah Chorus, many felt compelled to give a standing ovation at the end.

Choir (Banners conducting) warms up in Borough Market

Tradition also demanded that all retired to the Mudlark pub next door to refresh and recover with a pint and more songs. However disaster struck as the pub very soon ran out of beer, prompting  an exodus to the King’s Arms near Borough High Street. The pub gradually filled up due to its fine range of ales and its tv showing the impending rugby World Cup final. After a few songs and just before kick off, the choir belted out the National Anthem and Swing Low, Sweet Chariot, inspiring the England women to their historic victory.