A Winning Combination of Competition, Camaraderie and Character – that was Cornwall 2019 News

The Competition

When you are competing against some of the best male choirs as we were in the Cornwall International Male Choir Choral Competition (including some professional choirs) you really do have to do your preparation well. So we were delighted the extra rehearsal time, with Marion energetically spurring us on, proved worthwhile, and there’s no doubt it paid dividends.

Before our competition performance in Truro Cathedral we felt the heady mixture of nerves, excitement and trepidation, but in the end each one of us gave of our best and RMVC was awarded 5th place in its class by the panel of expert adjudicators. Not a bad result given the standard of the competitors, and we were definitely bolstered by many unsolicited compliments on our singing from audience members and other competing choirs.

For those interested, first place in the competition class was given to the Munta Musikanter MM MVC from Finland. YouTube videos of all the competing choirs can be found online.

And then there was more…….

The actual competition was the tough bit of the tour, next came our chance to sing in two very different venues. For the first we travelled to St Just to the Methodist Church, and whilst we don’t like to boast, our programme there, especially our last-minute rendition of Bui Doi from Miss Saigon, achieved a lengthy standing ovation. The day afterwards we were treated to the chance to be part of the Festival’s entertainment in Cornwall’s famous Eden Project, and once again we were pleased to note that our performance went down well with the crowd.

The three days of the Festival offered RMVC a very different experience, but it was a self-affirming, musically challenging and rewarding experience with a large dose of fun in a near perfect setting.

The Camaraderie & Character

Not everything was about singing. We did have some time together or individually to explore the beautiful Cornish Coast and countryside, St Michael’s Mount, Lands End and Penzance and we didn’t let the blustery wind and ‘occasional’ thundery showers in any way dampen our spirits.

However, much of the Choir togetherness came about in the evenings when hair was let down over and after dinner. Marion said we shouldn’t, but of course we did. Voices were once more raised in song as were those of the Bristol MVC who had chosen to stay in the same hotel; so choral forces were joined and a new MVC friendship made. It must be remarked that oiling the wheels of the laughter and evening enjoyment was the generous gift by the hotel of four free drinks for each guest – well it would have been rude not to fully take up the offer!

Thanks

The organisation of the Festival was first-class, so our grateful thanks must go to everyone who made it possible and in particular to the Festival Artistic Director Gareth Churcher.

From RMVC’s perspective our Concert Secretary, Mike Bull did a tremendous and not easy job making (and sometimes re-making) the detailed arrangements for the Tour – thank you Mike for all your efforts. MD Marion Maxey as always could not have put more into getting us ready and into conducting during performances. She most certainly is RMVC’s own star, and Brian Budden thank you for stepping in at the last minute in difficult travel circumstances to accompany us – it was very much appreciated.

Finally, we should all pat ourselves on the back for our part in an extremely successful annual tour.