Our Annual Patrons’ Concert always has a ‘family’ feel to it, and as often happens when family visit we ensured that we provided our patrons with a special tea before the concert.

A valuable supporter of LOMVC, our President Sir David Amess MP, was able to join us for tea.

Musical Director Janet Walker had put together an interesting and varied programme for the evening. Some old favourites as well as some of the choirs’ latest additions to its repertoire.

By tradition we invite our own choir members to deliver solo performances at our Patrons’ Concert. Trevor Davey’s performance of Shenandoah was a hit with the audience.

Our ‘Back to the 60s’ medley, having its first outing in this form, was especially appreciated. And you can listen to the live recording here!

 

It was no surprise that our compere Martin Wood described another of our soloists as ‘one of the boys’! Vanessa Cozens has sung with us on several occasions and was with us to help us with voice-technique at our recent Repertoire Weekend. A true friend of the choir, Vanessa sang in both halves of the concert to the obvious delight of audience and choir members alike.

TV Weatherman Francis Wilson, our compere at the recent ‘Singing for Life’ Mass Male Voice Choir concert at The Cliffs, and his wife Angela were able to be in the audience.

In the second half of the concert the audience were treated to more favourites, with Vanessa singing for a second time. And Tom Marshall, Father of the Choir being the longest-serving LOMVC member, entertained the audience with two songs, both being entertaining and the second involving audience participation.

A piece LOMVC has brought back into its repertoire, Li’l Liza Jane, brought big smiles to audience members’ faces. Listen to the live recording of LOMVC singing ‘Li’l Liza Jane’ here

 

Finally it was time for the four Patrons’ Favourites, chosen from a list from the choirs’ extensive repertoire and ably organised by Patrons’ Secretary Geoff Downing. The results were a closely guarded secret known only to very few people until they were announced; choir members and audience members alike had no advance notice. Compere Martin Wood announced each before they were sung.

Fourth Place: Softly as I Leave You

Third Place: Rhythm of Life

Second Place: Gwahoddiad

And in FIRST PLACE this year: Christus Salvator

Several of our LOMVC members are in hospital or receiving medical treatment and it was appropriate that we thought of them during the singing of the Favourites.

 

Another very successful concert, possibly best summed up by the comment sent in by a pair of regular audience members:

“What a wonderful concert. The Choir was impressive from beginning to end. The new items were interesting and came over well. The Soloists were great with a great range of songs from Opera to Flanders & Swann.”