On Saturday, April 27 Ryesingers again lifted the mood of the audience with their wonderful voices. There is a lot of work involved in offering such a varied programme but as ever the choir rose to the occasion that evening. In the first half the choir sang parts of Aida, and Lesley Moore with Gary Marriott sang a duet from La Traviata (Verdi). Then a solo by Anne Whiteman (Handel), a solo by Gary Marriott (Don Giovanni), the chorus continued with Wagner’s Lohengrin and Tannhauser. It was followed by various songs from Humperdinck (Hansel and Gretel) which included a solo from the youngest member, Oriana Marrs and soloist Jonathan Breed.
As the finale of the first half we heard the beautiful music from Carmen (Bizet). It included a solo of the soldier in prison who lost his beloved Carmen, the Flower Song, beautifully performed Gary Marriott. Jonathan led the choir and the audience to join in his rendition of The Toreador’s song, which was fun. The second half had pieces from The Bartered Bride, Les Miserables, The Gondoliers, The Merry Widow and Offenbach – Orpheus in the Underworld. Lesley Brownbill thanked Richard Eldridge for keeping everyone in time with the piano and Richard Moore, narrator of the classics. The audience was very appreciative and an engaged audience. There were many compliments in the interval and at the end.
Praise is due to the choir members, practicing every week and not easy pieces, but specifically to Lesley Brownbill, the choir leader who manages to get the best out of all the individuals in the choir. Keep an eye out for their next concert, October 12, 2024. They would welcome new members and if interested phone Lesley Brownbill at 01797 222 637.
Image Credits: Claire Bayntun , Heidi Foster .