WE’RE BACK, WE WERE LIVE AND WE LOVED IT! News

RMVC was back where it loves to be in Romsey Abbey in front of a live audience singing once more in the company of fellow choir members and it was wonderful ……

After a long 18 months of Zooming our way to maintaining music and voice memory, choir members were finally able to meet and catch-up face to face in just a few Covid careful rehearsals in preparation for taking the stage in the Abbey as part of the Romsey Festival. 

The excitement on the night was high, the emotion palpable, and despite the need to stand socially distanced, many of those listening assured us that we had not ‘lost it’ in the pandemic, in fact with the amazing acoustics in the Abbey they told us the sound we made was every bit as good as ever. Such a relief and testament to the commitment of all choir members and the musical leadership of Marion Maxey our fantastic Musical Director.  The programme of songs chosen, including Bui Doi from Miss Saigon and the Maori love song Pokarekare Ana, reflected some of the favourites of Choir members, as well as showcasing new pieces, and solos were on the menu by Keith Lawrenson, David Grey, Jim Philbin and Clive Matthews.

Adding to the ambiance of the evening we were also delighted to welcome our two guest soloists. In the first half of the programme musically talented tenor Byron Horne from the Romsey Youth Choir sang an old favourite A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square, along with two other set pieces. In the second half the supremely gifted Viola player Rachel Maxey captivated the audience with her memorable performances of Moonlight Sonata and Gigue from cello suite no.3 in C major - Bach. Both also joined with RMVC for the finale arrangement of ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ from Carousel.

Choir Chairman Kevin Cleary was delighted with the whole evening. “To pull off a concert in the Abbey after an enforced 18-month rest and a very few weeks since we were actually able to sing together in my view was remarkable. Of course, it couldn’t have happened without Marion’s drive and leadership, but as well we are so fortunate in having Richard Stannard’s incredibly accomplished accompaniment to both the Choir and the soloists. And then none of this would have been possible without the behind-the-scenes hard work of Mike Bull, our Concert Secretary along with the Choir Committee. Finally, a concert is nothing without an audience, so thank you to everyone who came along and made us feel both wanted and special – you are great!”

All photographs are courtesy of Romsey Viewfinders. Thank you to Andrew Greenwood & Philip Clewer photographers.