ADAS concert review

St. James' Church was packed on Saturday evening for what is now the annual ADAS choral concert featuring Audlem Voices and the Crewe Male Voice Choir, both ably led by Jenny Collis-Smith.

The evening started with some pieces from the Male Voice Choir, accompanied by Triona Holden, which took us on a musical tour with pieces from Scotland and Wales with, as one might expect, the Matt Monro number 'Softly as I leave you'. A medley from America finished their first set with a foot tapping flourish.

After some speedy change of dinner jackets by the gentlemen who are in both choirs it was the turn of Audlem Voices sporting their new colours.

Accompanied by Richard Lythall they began with what is now their signature tune, 'We are the choir' for a session divided between old favourites and new songs from three shows. 'One hand, one heart' from West Side Story which Audlem Voices performed at a local wedding this year will, I feel, soon be a favourite and included some lovely solo singing.

#Warmed Up 
The audience were well warmed up by now and eager to play their part in "We will rock you' in the Queen medley which brought the first half of the concert to a close.

After refreshments provided by ADAS another treat was in store. The Police song from 'Pirates of Penzance', 'With cat like tread', had us all tapping our feet.

Then a varied programme with material from Simon and Garfunkel, contrasting with Calon Lan, a Beatles number and what might be a very topical 'Grandfather's Clock'. An American medley finished with 'Battle hymn of the Republic' with organ and piano accompaniment which raised the rafters.

Finally, after a super second set from Audlem Voices with a 'Mamma Mia' medley and 'Time to say Goodbye' the evening was brought to a fitting close as the two choirs, organ and piano delivered Morte Criste. Great!

Looking forward to next year already. I'm rejoining the choir next week, not as an inducement for anyone to come and listen, but if anyone out there feels inclined to sing, then Jenny Collis-Smith is the person to approach.

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