Waltzing into Autumn, last Saturday, October 7, was the last big concert of the year by Ryesingers in St Mary’s Church. As always, the choir sounded wonderful, their practice every week allowed them to excel, however difficult the pieces. Lesley Brownbill, who founded the choir in 1971, is a hard taskmaster but she appreciates the choir’s dedication and the amazing sound they produce when performing. The variety of offerings were appreciated by the audience, especially as some of the chosen compositions were not easy. It was an eclectic programme, from Handel to Purcell, songs from each of the home nations to Brahms (Liebeslieder) and Benjamin Britten’s “The Birth of Nicholas”.
It is perhaps difficult to say which was more difficult in terms of the music but probably singing the “Liebeslieder” (love songs in German), was more demanding but they succeeded beautifully. The narrator for the excerpts in Benjamin Britten’s cantata, was Richard Moore and St Nicholas was sung by Gary Marriott who also performed several varied solos as did two choir members. In this story, “He journeys to Palestine”, a new recruit to the choir, Oriana Marrs, a young alto, shone. One of three daughters, Oriana is also a junior reporter and contributor to Rye News.
As part of the programme the audience enjoyed several piano duets from Clive Richards and Richard Eldridge, plus an organ recital.
On top of this lovely evening the audience was invited to join in, “Danny Boy” and “The Old Hundredth”, a great sound with all singing together and afterwards everyone socialised with a glass of wine. While this was their last big concert, Ryesingers will be performing a Christmas concert in Playden Church, just outside Rye on December 17.
Don’t miss it. Lesley Brownbill says: “It would be excellent to welcome new singers into the choir, no auditions – come along and try it.”
Image Credits: Paul Whiteman .