March 27th
Stopsley Baptist Church, Luton
On Saturday March 27th the Choir arrived at Stopsley Baptist Church, Luton for a concert arranged by the Rotary Club of Luton North. 
The concert was in aid of the Rotary Polio Eradication Charity and Keech Hospice Care, Children's service.
Some 600 people attended the concert in the main hall of Stopsley Baptist Church. The acoustics of the hall posed some problems for the choir but this was easily overcome by the skill of Edward-Rhys Bate our new Musical Director conducting his second concert. He was particularly masterful in the dynamics of the debut performance of Tangnefeddwyr. We also sang 'The Song of The Jolly Roger' for the first time, a rollicking sea song in a venue as far from the sea as you can get!
The audience were very appreciative which always makes a big difference to a choir's performance. Annabel Thwaite was our accompanist and Berwyn Evans our regular compere joined force with Nick Owen, the television presenter and Chairman of Luton Town FC, who was the guest compere. After a few minutes it became clear to all that Luton had won 8-0 that afternoon. It was a bit like Wales having won the Rugby World Cup. Nick was a fluid and humorous compere and he and Berwyn held the evening together very well.
We were joined by Pasque Harmony, a local choir formed in 2003 by former members of the Luton Girls Choir, and conducted by Margaret Blenkin. They sang very well and delighted the audience and choir with such pieces as 'The Rhythm of LIfe' and 'Send in the Clowns'.
Nathalie Chalkley, Soprano, filled the second guest spot and she sang a splendid mixture from Roger Quilter to Mozart. She was accompanied by Chris Hopkins on the piano.
At the end of the concert we were joined by Nathalie Chalkley and Pasque Harmony for a rendition of 'You'll Never Walk Alone' from Carousel.
It was a lovely evening and made all the more special by the funds raised for the various charities. The Rotary Club did extremely well to set up such a concert and it is a venue we shall no doubt return to.
photo courtesy of Luton North Rotary Club
