Wessex Male Choir sing in front of packed audience at STEAM in Swindon

Opening with a tender rendition of Harry Middlebrooks and Bruce Belland’s ‘What would I Do Without My Music’, the Choir went on to delight the audience with a variety of songs from the world of opera, traditional and sacred music, ending their first set to rapturous applause with Verdi’s ‘Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves’.

They were then joined by their guests the talented ‘Jubilate’ ladies choir from London to sing Franz Biebl’s beautiful and rarely heard arrangement of Ave Maria.

Jubilate opened the second half of the concert with Karl Jenkins’ ‘Adiemus’ before a light-hearted rendition of the Somerset folk song ‘never Wed an Old Man’.

Wessex tenor Guy Edwards then joined Jubilate as a soloist for Paul Mealor’s ‘In My Dreams’, a piece written for the Military Wives Choir.

The Wessex Chamber Choir then performed songs including Elton John’s ‘Can you feel the love tonight’ from Disney’s award-winning musical, the Lion King.

The Choir then closed the show with the beautiful ‘Memory’ from Cats and a rousing version of ‘American Trilogy’ showing just what a male choir can do with this powerful piece of music, which happens to be a particular favourite of the outgoing Musical Director, Katrine Reimers.

Katrine’s successor as Musical Director, Rhiannon Williams-Hale, was also in the audience to hear the Choir perform.

As part of its campaign to support and nurture young talent, the Choir also hosted two local young musicians, Chloe Wood and Bradley Cowtan, giving these two talented youngsters a chance to perform in front of a new audience.

The Choir is also part of another campaign which includes a ‘REAL MEN SING!’ event on September 27 at the Church of Christ the Servant, Elstree Way, Abbey Meads, Swindon at 7.30pm at which men (both young and old) will be welcome to come and have sing before joining the choristers for a beer.

More details on the Choir's website at www.wessexmalechoir.co.uk.

Book early as places may be limited