Exeter choir presents an evening to remember
Exeter Male Voice Choir will be presenting An Evening to Remember at St Peter’s School in Quarry Lane on Saturday November 10 (7:30-9:15).
It is a joint concert which also features the talented young musicians of Lympstone Training Band, who will be playing traditional favourites.
The choir will perform popular modern songs and some James Bond theme tunes accompanied by guest soloist, soprano Penny Smith-Wiseman.
The event will be raising funds for FORCE Cancer Charity, Haemochromatosis UK and the Royal British Legion.
Tickets costs £7.50 at the door or can be reserved by phone on 07733 135 711 or 07497 204 168.
The choir will also be performing seasonal songs in the Mayor’s Parlour at The Guildhall on Saturday December 1 as part of the FORCE Christmas Fayre
Updated repertoire
Matt Gardner took over as EMVC Musical Director in September 2017 and has significantly updated the choir’s repertoire with a new programme that includes popular modern songs by Coldplay, U2, Oasis, Sting and Snow Patrol.
Formed in 1900, Exeter Male Voice Choir is one of the oldest singing groups in Devon and always welcomes new members. The choir rehearses on Monday and Thursday evenings from 7 to 9.30pm in South Street Baptist Church. The atmosphere is relaxed, there is no need to audition just turn up and sing.
“We often have people join us who have no experience of singing in a choir and therefore have no idea whether they are a tenor, baritone or bass don’t worry about this,” said Matt.
“And if you haven’t sung for a while, we will help you find your voice,” he added.
Fantastic sound
Matt is a music teacher with more than 25 years of experience working with choirs and theatre groups. He is focused on getting the best from the EMVC and believes that every voice matters.
“They make a fantastic sound and they are getting better all the time. I really enjoy putting a smile on their faces,” said Matt.
The choir also supports good causes. In the last three years EMVC concerts have raised more than £5,000 for its chosen charities including FORCE Cancer Charity, Hospiscare, Devon Air Ambulance and Help for Hereos.
Joy in singing
Choir secretary David Northrop added: “There’s a real joy in singing. It can lift your spirits, tug at your heartstrings and keep you on your toes when you have to learn new songs.”
If you’d like more information about Exeter Male Voice Choir, contact secretary David Northrop on 07733 135711 or davidnorthrop2012@gmail.com
You can also visit the website – www.exetermalevoicechoir.org.uk – or simply go along to choir practice, any Monday (except Bank Holidays) or Thursday.
Stats and facts about singing
- Two million people in Britain are members of a choir or singing group
- It’s estimated there are at least 40,000 choirs in the UK
- Singing triggers happiness hormones which can lift your mood, relieve stress and anxiety, reduce loneliness and isolation and improve your health and well-being
- It improves breathing and posture
- Mental alertness, concentration and memory may be enhanced
- It can widen your circle of friends
