The Station Singers' Spring Concert in aid of St Teresa's Hospice and Herriot Hospice Homecare, raised over £1,400 in support of its two charities.
St Mary's Church in Richmond was packed to hear a varied and lively selection of “Songs from around the world”. The audience, in fine voice, joined the choirs in community singing and the evening ended with all choirs singing songs from 'West Side Story'. Refreshments were provided by choir members and charity volunteers.
Dr. Harry Byrne ( Chair of Trustees) from St. Teresa's Hospice and Ashley Weighell (Fundraising Manager) from Herriot Hospice Homecare both spoke of their charities' work with individuals and families and of how much the continued and essential support of the community means to them. In addition, local dignitaries Val Arnold (Chair of NYCC), Stephen Arnold ( Councillor) and Baroness Harris were in attendance.
Led by musical director Carol Gedye, and accompanied by Brett Overin, the evening on the 8th April 2017, was a great success.
Opening with dramatic djembe drumming by David Pratt, the combined choirs set the scene with a stunning performance of “Nkosi sikeleli Afrika”. This was followed by the “Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves” sung in Italian with much emotion. With this taste of what was to come, Platform 2 launched the journey around the world with “The leaving of Liverpool”.
Each choir then sang their set in turn, some songs sung in their original language.
Branch Line took us to Ireland with “Home and the Heartland” and David on the bodhran, followed by a gospel set in America, the Maori love song “Pokarekareana” , “El Haderech” sung in Hebrew and a final rousing chorus of “World in Union”.
Platform 1 also visited Ireland with Enya’s “May it be”. “Bon di” was written by the French composer Lully with lyrics by Moliere ( and more drumming from David). They too sang “Dodi Li” most effectively in Hebrew, and finished with a lovely Carpenters’ arrangement of “On top of the World”.
Platform 2 opened with the expressive singing of Mozart’s ”Ave verum”. They ventured into 6 parts and German with Rheinberger’s “Abendlied. This had been a real favourite in rehearsal and was sung with much passion. “Nessun Dorma” took us to Italy, and then a hop across the pond to Broadway for “The Rhythm of Life” and a wonderfully energetic rendition of “Every time I feel the spirit” performed from memory.
Our new deputy conductor Kay Bromhead expertly took the first two songs in the combined choirs’ performance of “West Side Story”. This medley concluded with a heartfelt performance of “Somewhere”. There were many spine tingling moments during the evening. Some of our regular audience passed comments that this was the best concert yet.
