Twyford Singers succeeded in the aim of their summer concert – to foster a sense of community through storytelling and song.
Such was the confidence in music-making that the audience and choir were singing gospel and folk songs in five-part harmony at one point.
The ambitious performance was led by the choir’s inspiring musical director Helen Styles. She had explained the importance of storytelling through music across the world.
The concert, at St Mary’s Church in Twyford, had a strong start with the choir singing nursery rhyme ‘Song of Sixpence’ in the style of Handel, the 18th century composer.
It was suggested the audience listen for reminders of Handel’s great Halleluiah Chorus – and they were certainly there.
Later Handel-influenced tunes were used to sing ‘Little Jack Horner’ and ‘Old Mother Hubbard’. All three nursery rhymes were arranged by J Michael Diack.
Tales of fortunes in love included ‘Down by the Salley Gardens’, sung as a duet by Danny Walsh and James Buckley, their voices blending well.
James Buckley did good work with Schubert’s ‘Du Bist die Ruh’ song of love.
The choir’s singing of Aesop’s Fables by Bob Chilcott engaged the audience with their ‘morals’ from Ancient Greece.
Helen Styles said afterwards: “The concert was really good. There was lots of storytelling.
“The audience really responded to the Aesop’s Tales.”
The spoken message at the end of each one was carefully judged and effective.
Violin performances by Helen and her daughter Katie, 17, of the Irish folk tune ‘Londonderry Air’ and the Scottish tune ‘Annie Laurie’ were well received, as was Helen’s playing of Irish reels, ‘The Leaving of Liverpool’ and ‘Ashoken Farewell’.
Ashwini Noronha-Jackson and Sarah Fulton-Urry’s well read excerpts from Rudyar Kipling’s Indian fable Jungle Book were a good reminder to re-read.
The choir’s accomplished accompanist Judith Creighton also did excellent work.
Twyford Singers welcome new members when they start again in September.
Rehearsals are 7.45pm until 9.45pm on Tuesdays at St Mary’s Church, Twyford.
They ask that you learn your music (practice files available) and attend rehearsals regularly. Details are on the choir’s website at http://twyford-singers.org.uk/WordPress2018/become-a-member.
