HCS Voices Summer Concert – July 2023 

HCS Voices held their summer concert on a balmy Saturday evening in early July at Moldgreen United Reformed Church. This was the second concert with their new Musical Director Laura Bailie and she has firmly settled into her new role. 

The tickets were free, thanks to a Community Grant awarded by the National Lottery which also provided the colourful new polo shirts worn by all the choir. 

Laura opened the concert with audience participation: teaching us a coffee pot tongue twister, which we weren’t very good at but had us laughing at ourselves and set the mood for the evening. 

The music varied greatly from Thomas Tallis to Queen and the choir were able to mix between different genres easily under Laura’s skilful direction. The choir are growing in confidence and musicianship, building on the wonderful work started by Abi. The easy rapport between Laura and the choir showed in the happy, enthusiastic faces of all choir members when performing. 

Entertainment was also provided by members of the choir, with duets by Ben and Kiff, and Carmen and Adele. Tim Wilkes provided his usual wonderful accompaniment and a lovely solo. Every item sung was also signed by BSL interpreter Samantha Green, who added a theatrical edge to the concert. 

The final number Bohemian Rhapsody was preceded by a poem written and read by choir member, Margaret, which was a fitting tribute to Freddie Mercury and made a wonderful finale to a very enjoyable evening. 

Jill Bamford