Listen to the Lambs – Salford concert a great success

05/03/2019 13:45

The Manchester Chorale gave a joint concert with St Philip’s RC Primary School Choir on Saturday 2^nd March 2019 to resounding appreciation by the large audience.

It was an opportunity for the children to show off their singing talents under the very capable Ken Lee, who clearly is an inspiration to them. They sang a varied programme, including a Congolese Greeting Song, a Kyrie canon, two calypsos and a suite of spirituals, even a song Elvis used to sing – Can't Help Falling in Love. By the expression on their faces, their parents, relatives and friends loved it.

The Chorale’s concert programme had been designed by our MD Jill Henderson-Wild to give the audience and the children a taste of what is possible in singing in a choir. Some pieces were immediately appealing (Underneath the Stars by Kate Rusby). Some pieces were intriguing, where you wonder what is going on with the voices – like the witches in Double, Double Toil and Trouble. Ramona, age 6, said this was her favourite, especially where the sopranos swooped down – very scary! There was Passiontide music, songs about the sun and stars, love and hate, and some spirituals including Listen to the Lambs. Felicity North’s viola playing in Listen to the Lambs was exquisite and introduced the children to a new instrument: ‘a bit bigger than a violin’. Felicity is usually to be found in the Chorale's altos. It was exciting music.

We all joined in together to sing the African song Oremi at the end of the concert to loud applause from the audience who had clearly had a good Saturday night at the Our Lady of Dolours Servite Priory in Salford. The lambs will remember this concert. Singing in a choir is a rewarding lifelong experience.

Headteacher John Barrett was delighted with the evening and said: 'Thank you once again for giving our children an opportunity that will live with them for the rest of their lives.'

Ken Lee was equally impressed: 'It was a privilege for us to be able to listen to and sing with you (something some of those children and their parents may not have experienced before. It will live with them forever.) What a wonderful role model your most professional choir set the children. Something to aspire to. The singing was truly amazing. How lovely to hear a choir with such beautiful tone, range of dynamics and expression and perfect tuning (all at the same time - no mean feat!!)'

GG