Review: Taunton Deane Male Voice Choir Annual Concert, Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre, Monkton Heathfield.

At their annual concert at the, a 55-strong group from Taunton Deane Male Voice Choir, led by musical director David Yates, performed an eclectic musical programme, transporting their audience from Somerset’s gentle ‘Green Hills’, to Hungary with the stirring gypsy song ‘Czardas’, and Africa with the powerful ‘Siyahamba’.

There were quiet moving numbers, heartfelt and delivered beautifully, including ‘Softly as I Leave You’, and ‘Cantique de Jean Racine’.

Their mastery of dynamics and teamwork shone through in balanced renditions ranging from ‘Were You There?’ to ‘You Raise Me Up’ (featuring soloists Jonathan Farey and Jack Dennis) – and a brilliant encore with a resounding ‘Rachie’.

This is a choir with a new versatility – for the first half, full uniform and more traditional approach; the second half more relaxed in dress and style, and even some gentle dance and movement.

They take world music and sacred songs in their stride, yet are always ready to lighten up and bring laughter. Having “introduced” the four choir sections, they amused us with the specially-commissioned ‘Perfect Male Voice Choir’; and for the popular musical sketch, a small group (plus wives) transformed themselves into “Territory Folks” and performed a colourful Oklahoma medley.

Charming and talented soprano Hilary Gooch’s programme was well-chosen and beautifully sung, especially ‘The Laughing Song’ (Die Fledermaus), and Mozart’s ‘Alleluja’.

Valerie Hill was Assistant Musical Director; Hazel Reid, Accompanist; John Bodiley, Soloist Accompanist; Nick Thomas, Accordion/Musical Sketch Accompaniment.

The concert launched the choir’s first CD, aptly titled “Sung from the Heart”.

By Pauline Blackmore.