Audience members at Twyford Singers’ recent concert had high praise for the performance.
On the programme were folk songs, spirituals and songs of love, joy, hope, comfort and community – all at the event at St Mary’s Church Twyford.
One listener said: “It was a lovely concert, uplifting. I’m going home feeling happier than I came.
“I loved being able to join in with the choir’s singing.”
The wide variety of pieces included the beautiful Harbour by Anna Tabbush, a song of comfort and friendship, which was particularly enjoyed.
The singers’ excellent musical director Helen Styles, introducing the pieces, said the gospel songs had religious meaning, but they also spoke of difficult lives in the deep south of the United States at the time.
Other serious issues were reflected, as in the song Freedom originating in Zimbabawe. It was sung with strength.
An audience member said: “I loved that there was so much about refugees. We don’t meet refugees and it was good to hear them sung about.”
“The song Peace white dove, by Melanie Dolinski, speaks
about looking for a place to rest.”
There was fun for everyone to join in with, including You are my sunshine, and also in the Back to the 60s selection.
The choir sang with “obvious enjoyment”, it was said.
Helen Styles later thanked the singers for working so hard this term.
“All the audience members said how much they liked the concert and the ideas behind all the pieces, which means they could hear the words which is great.
“I think it went really well and you sang the pieces with a real feel for the different stories you were telling.”
The choir’s skilled regular accompanist Judith Creighton, Michael Whiteman on percussion and Beth Styles on bass guitar all helped make the afternoon memorable.
Twyford Singers’ rehearsals on Tuesdays, 19.45 – 21.45 at St Mary’s Church, Station Road, start again in September.
