It’s the 5th July 2024. I’m in the newsroom of the St Michael’s Daily Sword, and it’s so quiet. Nothing is happening in the UK today, so we’re left with Dog shows and church repairs to report.
But then, it all changed. “I need a reporter for the St Michael’s Singers 25th Anniversary Concert, Bridget Thomas, their PR chief has asked for a review” says Julie Cook, our editor-in-chief.
I seized my chance and bundled my way to the front of the queue; I knew that they had a good reputation for their light suppers as well as the music, and they served a good warm Hock at the bar. So, Julie gave me the keys to her Maserati, and avoiding Tony Penn at the Church junction I arrived just in time.
The room was full, with audience and choir and tables and stages. I found my place in the corner and prepared for a good evening. Eric Hudson and Danny Thomas were running the bar, and the queue snaked through the tables.
The concert started with an ominous beat, from drummer, Dave Bunn, as he ushered in the two excerpts from “The Armed Man” by Karl Jenkins. As if by a signal the choir assembled in front of the stage, between the Choir musical director, Jacqui Cable, and Kath Ainsworth on keyboards. Kath got the music going, and we were off.
A lively interpretation of the Armed Man was followed by an introduction from Eric Hudson, wearing a fetching white apron, who welcomed us all to the Village Hall and reminded us where the facilities and escape hatches were. He also explained how the music was chosen to reflect the history of the choir and to celebrate the 25th Anniversary Concert.
Pat Mutton, the chair of the choir then provided the most moving part of the concert. She told us that the choir had started with a group of friends from St Michaels arranging themselves round a grand piano singing their hearts out. The choir was started by Bryan Fisher, who was a Methodist, serious choral singer, who followed Arsenal, and had a trial for the Baggies. Pat pointed out that there were still choir and audience members who had been at that inaugural meeting. Anne Fox, Pam Owen, Annie Young and Jan Holloway all took a bow.
Unfortunately, Bryan is very poorly, and couldn’t be at the concert. However, his daughter, Jane, was present and thanked his friends in St Michaels for their support and help for Bryan and Chris, both in the good times, and now in these difficult circumstances. Jane told us how important music was in their family life, and Bryan had brought his love of music, and in particular singing, to St Michaels and the choir.
The rest of the concert was a musical excursion through the 20th century. We started with the Jazz Age, with songs from Cole Porter and Irving Berlin echoing the first third of the century. We moved swiftly onto the blues with a small soloette from Pat Mutton, and the choir giving the audience a Harlemesque experience.
The Blues section ended well, and we were off into the sunshine and surf of the U S of A. Paul Simon’s 59th St Bridge song was certainly feeling groovy. This was followed by a medley by the Beach Boys including one of my favourites “In my room”. The choir did this section with heart and gusto, although I’m sure the choir wouldn’t mind me saying it was a bit more Barry Island than Malibu.
It was then time for the light supper, a melange of cheeses and charcuterie with condiments and pickles to be consumed with warm bread rolls and butter delivered to the hall tables by the members of the choir. Its reputation for a good light supper is well deserved.
The second half of the concert featured the last third of the 20th century. It started with an innovation. The choir stayed seated in their chairs as they sang Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen. This worked very well. The sound picture spread round the room, which added to the impact of the song.
There was then a short break for the consumption of chocolate and cherry fudge made by Kath Ainsworth. It was a short break, but long enough for one choir member to eat four, yes four, pieces of this delicious confection.
The concert moved onto James Bond. Back in their original positions, the choir belted out a concoction of Bond Movie Themes, including solos from Margaret Morrell and Jacqui. The medley included Skyfall which is a notoriously difficult song to perform well, but the choir should be proud of their performance.
Before the last song, there were presentations to Jacqui and Kath, and the drummer, Dave, thanking them for their hard and rhythmic work. Jacqui invited us to attend the Christmas concert in December.
And so we were into the last song which was “The best day of our life” by the pop combo American Authors. The concert ended with a great flourish, and the audience went home with the songs of St Michael’s Singers playing in their memory.
Peter Cole
Cub Reporter
St Michaels Daily Sword
