A triumphant celebration of choral contrast: Stevenage Ladies Choir and Leigh Orpheus Male Voice Choir raise voices (and vital funds) at St Hugh and St John's Church
The acoustic warmth of St Hugh and St John’s Church in Stevenage provided the perfect backdrop for a spectacular afternoon of choral music, as the Stevenage Ladies Choir hosted the Leigh Orpheus Male Voice Choir. Under the expert guidance of their respective musical directors and accompanists, this joint concert was a masterclass in vocal contrast, taking the audience on an emotional journey through musical theatre, traditional folk, pop classics, and a thrilling, high-energy finale—all in aid of the incredibly worthy charity, Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis.
First Half: Instant Connection and Dramatic Highlights
The Stevenage Ladies Choir opened the concert on an appropriately inspiring note with "Why We Sing," led expertly by Musical Director Rachael Moorhead and accompanied with delicate precision by pianist Guy Clark. Their segment moved beautifully from the poignant and seasonally appropriate "Autumn Leaves" to a moving rendition of "Bridge Over Troubled Water." They closed their opening set with a vibrant, soulful performance of "Seasons of Love" from Rent, showing off the choir's impressive contemporary flair and rhythmic precision.
Taking the stage next, the Leigh Orpheus Male Voice Choir—under the spirited direction of Musical Director Chris Pethers and superbly accompanied by Kay Duell—delivered an immediate shift in vocal weight and drama. They opened with a powerful, soaring performance of "Anthem" from Chess, followed by a deeply resonant "You Raise Me Up." After delivering rich, velvety harmonies on "The Rose" and the romantic classic "Some Enchanted Evening," they completely shifted gears to close the first half. Their spirited, foot-stomping rendition of the sea shanty "Wellerman" injected a brilliant burst of energy that left the audience buzzing during the interval.
Second Half: Spiritual Depths and Iconic Pop
The Leigh Orpheus Male Voice Choir returned for the second half with a striking change of pace, opening with the moving "African Prayer" (Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika) and a poignant, deeply reflective performance of "Crossing the Bar." They demonstrated their dynamic range by leaning into the syncopated rhythms of the traditional spiritual "Wade in the Water" before delivering a majestic, driving performance of Carly Simon’s "Let the River Run."
Rachel Moorhead then reassembled the Stevenage Ladies Choir, treating the audience to a wonderfully diverse set. Their interpretation of "Over the Rainbow" was delicate and beautifully phrased, which contrasted perfectly with the hypnotic, bubbling vocal textures of Enya’s "Orinoco Flow." Backed by Guy Clark's heartfelt accompaniment, a tender delivery of Elton John’s "Your Song" brought a collective smile to the room, before the ladies turned up the heat with a sassy, swinging performance of Duke Ellington's "It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing)," proving their fantastic stylistic versatility. [1]
The Joint Finale
The true peak of the afternoon came when both choirs united on stage for the final number, Cy Coleman's "Rhythm of Life." The blending of the bright, soaring upper registers of the Stevenage Ladies with the deep, rumbling foundations of the Leigh Orpheus Male Voice Choir was spectacular. The fast-paced, intricate lyrical counterpoint was executed with absolute precision and infectious joy by both directors and accompanists, bringing the concert to a thunderous, triumphant conclusion.
Singing for a Cause
Beyond the musical triumphs, the heart of the event remained focused on raising vital funds and awareness for Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis. The generosity of the local community, combined with the tireless dedication of both choirs, ensured the afternoon was a resounding success both on and off the stage, supporting patients and families affected by the disease.