At Edwinstowe, a capacity audience was treated to an extraordinary display of musical talent as The Dukeries Singers delivered a Christmas concert that will be remembered for many years.
From the moment the choir took the stage, it was clear that the audience was in for a special afternoon. An opening stirring rendition of ‘O Come, O Come Emanuel’ set the tone for the rest of the event. The choir’s voices blended seamlessly together, creating a wall of sound that resonated through the hall and left the audience in awe.
One of the highlights was the solo performance of Ashley Argile with his guitar singing ‘Jingle Bell Rock’. He also went on to lead audience participation with community singing. Soloist soprano Penny Woolley showcased her vocal prowess with a heartfelt performance of ‘The Colours of Christmas’. Jane Richardson read beautifully ‘On the Countryside in the Christmas Season’, and Joy Day sang and read as she helped the audience consider the reason for Christmas by reading ‘A Time to Pause’. Julie Baugh had everyone in stitches with her ‘Twelve Days of Christmas Turkey’.
The Edwinstowe Hand Bell Ringers complemented the event with a superb performance, and The Dukeries Singers kept the audience engaged as they demonstrated their versatility.
The success of the concert was not just in the music, but also in the sense of community it fostered. Many of the choir members are local, and the community itself demonstrates that when people come together with a shared passion, they can create something truly magical. Everyone who attended felt joy and was pleased that the choir had returned to perform at its previous home in Edwinstowe.
Have you ever considered joining a community choir? If so, why not go along and be a fly on the wall at any one of their rehearsals? There is no audition and no requirement to read music. The group rehearses every Wednesday from 7.00pm to 9.00pm at The Methodist Church Hall, Forest Road, New Ollerton, or call Chairman John Banbury on 07759 086132.