CASTERBRIDGE MALE VOICE CHOIR

United Church, Dorchester

AUTUMN Gold was the title of the choir’s latest concert and it certainly lived up to its name, with many golden moments in an autumnal programme that was full of warmth and colour.

Under the leadership of musical director Julia Mcfarlane, the choir sang a varied programme of well known favourites ranging from extracts from Les Miserables, spiritual songs and even a Beatles top of the pops hit from the 60s, not bad for a group of individuals many of whom are probably also in their 60s.

Special guests at the concert were the Bournemouth School Barbershop Quartet, four teenage boys who are studying for their A levels yet managing to find the time to form a prizewinning singing group that is very special indeed. In true barbershop rhythm, they sang lively melodies in acapella style, each boy with a different vocal range as three of them sang in background harmony while the fourth boy performed as a solo vocalist.

Their tutor Colin Davey offered his services to the choir as an organist for some of their repertoire along with the main piano accompanist Louise Dukes who, as always, plays with skill and sensitivity. The overall effect of the organ was attractive and a great credit to all the performers who had no forewarning of the additional sound that was accompanying their efforts.

The choir invites males who enjoy singing to join them if they wish, rehearsing every Wednesday evening at St Mary’s Church hall, with no audition needed. Their next concert will be in April next year at Weymouth Holy Trinity Church.

MARION COX