Lochranza Choir Concert

Carol Burge of the Rowan Singers reviews the final concert of the Lochranza Choir before the two groups join to form a single large choir.

We were promised a highly enjoyable concert, with a mixture of composers and styles that should have something for everyone – and this was exactly what we received on Sunday 17th Nov. in Lochranza Hall. The variety in the programme ensured that all tastes were catered for and the dynamics within the performance of the songs ensured a most enjoyable experience.

The programme began with chorales dedicated to the Life of Christ, demonstrating that the choir has great lyrical ability. In this section, we were treated to a solo performance by Ian Buchanan in his clear, pure tenor voice. Following this was British Choral music, which began with a new setting of Burns’ poem, My Love is like a Red, Red Rose, which was such a beautiful, haunting piece that I did not want it to come to an end. This section ended with Aileen Wright’s rendition of Jerusalem, the combination of singer and song providing a deeply emotional experience. The first part of the concert finished with rousing choruses from opera, with many of the audience wishing they could participate.

Fortified with mulled wine, shortbread and mince pies during the interval, we returned to a Swing Medley and were invited to Come Follow the Bands, which had the audience tapping their feet. We then marvelled at the speed at which the choir sang the tongue-twisting Rhythm of Life! Aileen Wright again proved herself the consummate professional, keeping a straight face while the audience laughed at her version of The Rowan Tree. After three choral classics by Schubert, Mozart and Bruckner, the choir gave a superb version of Hymn to Freedom, and the concert concluded with some audience participation in the rousing American classics, Battle Hymn of the Republic and Oh, When the Saints.

The singers and the conductor and pianist Diana and Douglas Hamilton should be very proud of their final performance as Lochranza Choir. Thank you, Lochranza Choir, for all the pleasure you have given audiences over the last 12 years! We wish you well with the venture of the new all-island choir.