A review of this year's Bolton Abbey Priory Church Concert

The Priory is very fortunate in the quality of musical talent that Colin Crabtree and his team bring before us in the course of our Concert Series. A prime example was the visit of The Manchester Chorale with their conductor Jill henderson-Wild on the 30th June. We had already enjoyed a concert by the Chorale two years ago, and this year they demonstrated even further their versatility and talent. The Chorale, a group of forty a capella singers, were equally confident with pieces from the reigns of both first and second Elizabeths, as well as songs from various parts of the Commonwealth, all part of a programme theme based on the Queen's Jubilee.

They have a considerable stage presence, their facial expressions, and at times their whole body movement, match the style of the piece, whether it is a vibrant Zulu song or the chanting of distant monks. Combined with an almost perfect harmonic and rhythmical ability, the Chorale brings a sublime musical experience. Yet it is by no means completely serious - the reviewer, of a certain age, was taken back to 'Children's Hour' by a chirpily delivered rendering of 'They're changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace' from Georgina Hulse. In spite of the stormy weather outside, this was an evening to cherish.

The Priory Reviewer"