It was hot, but it was ‘Jackets-Off’ singing with old friends Hart MVC News

On a beautiful sunny day in the lovely town of Guildford what could be better than exercising our vocal cords both within and after the June concert with friends Hart MVC

For those of us letting the coach take the strain, the nerves did briefly get switched on when the M3 closed its doors to us and all other travellers forcing tenacious Steve, our creative coach driver, to divert and brave single-lane country roads to deliver us not very late to our venue in Guildford.

After scattering to various hostelries for lunch we were back to the Holy Trinity Church in the High Street in time for rehearsals and the start of the main menu – the concert.

As the concert title suggested it did turn out to be ‘An Extravaganza of Music’ with RMVC’s rousing version of Carly Simon’s Let the River Run getting things going in the first half, and Hart taking the lead with the magnificent Divine Brahma from the Pearl Fishers in the second half. However, what distinguished this concert from many of our others was the choirs singing not just one or two, but nine joint numbers, and actually 10 including the encore. A real treat for both choirs, though we did all have to get to grips with some unexpected nuances in one or two pieces (any slight hiccups unseen by the audience!).

RMVC’s Patron and Hart’s President, Haydn James who had travelled to see the choirs was persuaded to conduct a choir favourite O Gymru, and following tradition the concert ended with American Trilogy.

As is so often the case, the concert was in aid of a worthy charity and in the charity chosen by Hart was Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice Care based in Farnham. We very much hope a sizable donation was achieved.

BUT…….one wonders, were choir behaviours true to form after the concert concluded? The Royal Oak just up from the church was witness to the answer. In a cosy, welcoming pub, with very accommodating and interested customers, the two choirs let rip, enticing some from the ‘audience’ to join in. As always, a relaxed and most enjoyable high to finish off another day to remember.

Many thanks to Hart MVC for organising the concert so well, to Hart’s Musical Director and Accompanist Kevin Jarot and Judith Morgan, and to our own MD Marion Maxey and Richard Stannard accompanying. Thanks also to the good people of Guildford for their support in the audience.

 Oh, and we did enjoy the compère’s jokes!