Newlyn pack a punch well above their weight

Thursday, 21 May 2009 11:09

THEY may be one of the smallest male choirs in Cornwall – but Newlyn are also making a notable mark. At the recent international festival throughout the county they had two very enjoyable concerts at Porthleven and St Austell – their first in this event under new musical director Neil Shepherd, but not for accompanist Marion Rae, now only a few months from her half-century with the group.

At the Porthleven Methodist Church they were joined by star performers this year, the quintet of the Hermitage Ensemble from St Petersburg.

Guests

The heroic sadness of the Volga Boatmen, their counter-tenor's sweet tones in Ave Maria, the old Imperial Russian anthem, together with their bass soloist in a folk song, were among the highlights that deserved the standing ovation.

Other guests were the entertaining Budleigh Salterton, Taunton Deane and the massed ranks of Holman Climax male choirs.

Newlyn roused the packed hall with the invigorating With a Voice of Singing and Jesus Shall Reign, produced a quietly spiritual atmosphere with the popular All in the April Evening and concluded with the jovial Song of the Jolly Roger.

Two days later Newlyn were at St Austell where they were given a great reception for the concert's opening set, which was expanded to include the thoughtful Let there be Peace on Earth and their signature tune, God's Choir.

Again, two much larger choirs – Barnstaple and Avon and Somerset Constabulary – were guests.