'Absolutely mesmerised'

23/07/2014 15:32

I recently saw a performance by The Manchester Chorale for the first time – their Spring Concert at Platt Church – and was absolutely mesmerised by every moment of it!

The evening was hosted in a lovely church, which set the scene perfectly, and as the choir filed in, singing an upbeat number, I sensed we were in for a great evening.

The choir performed around 20 pieces, primarily as a group, but with a couple of solos thrown in, both of which were excellent. A few of the songs were accompanied by piano, but most were sung a capella, which really allowed us to enjoy the very high-quality singing. The songs performed were a good mix of traditional, more modern pieces, peaceful slow tunes, and fun, upbeat rousing numbers! A few of my favourites from the evening (I star-rated them!) were Dirait-on (Morten Lauridsen), The Seal Lullaby (Eric Whitacre), Hold Me Fast (Malin Gavelin / Joel Nilson), and Sit Down, You're Rocking The Boat (Frank Loesser / Grayson Ives). Oh, and the brilliant final song of the evening – Buffalo Gals (Bob Chilcott)! 

Between songs the choir moved around the church, splitting into different groups or orders which best showcased the various pieces. This really added to the whole performance for me; hearing the sound come from different points all over the church, and watching the choir to identify which sections were producing which of the fantastic sounds my ears were being treated to.

This was the first time I had seen The Manchester Chorale, or anything similar in fact, but it certainly won't be the last! I'm already planning my next visit, for one of their concerts towards the end of the year at the Bridgewater Hall, and hope to bring lots more friends with me next time. I strongly encourage anyone reading this to go and see The Manchester Chorale in action – you will have really missed out if you don't!  

Catherine Mellor, Hale