Much to enjoy from choirs

"Reflecting On" was the title of this week's RSA Choir concert in the Dunedin Town Hall (its 201st concert), when 60 choir members presented a popular programme, with their conductor Michael McConnell firmly in control, supported by accompanists Denis McCombe and Dulcie Jones.

The Soldiers' Chorus, from Gounod's Faust, created a fine robust opening, but their second song, Tumbling Tumble- weeds lost much of its appeal though poorly enunciated diction.

Phil the Fluter's Ball and Hey Look Me Over were two new arrangements for this choir by accompanist Denis McCombe, the latter being a medley of five popular tunes which came across particularly well.

Good harmony featured in traditional folk song Shenandoah.

University of Otago music performance students Alex Wilson and Ben Madden, both developing tenors, are this year's RSA Choir Scholars.

They contributed several numbers individually, accompanied by Prof Terence Dennis, and joined for Lily's Eyes, the beautiful duet from Secret Garden, which was a highlight of the evening.

Madden also soloed with the choir for the Beatles hit Yesterday.

The other guest performer was the 35-member city gospel choir, Sunny Side Up, conducted by Claire Stevens. Its bracket of five a capella songs, bright and colourful with infectious rhythms and harmonies, was both vocally and visually pleasing.

The concert ended with a hearty rendition of Cwm Rhondda, one of the choir's all time favourites.

Some choir items received extra support from a drummer, lead and bass guitar. Peter Chin compered the evening.