We as a choir have resumed rehearsals on Tuesday evenings
from 7.15pm until 9.30pm at the Pallant Centre in Havant.
If you have been thinking of joining a choir of just want to see what we do, come along.
You will be welcomed.
SOLENT MALE VOICE CHOIR CHRISTMAS CRACKER
AT
ST FAITH’S CHURCH, HAVANT, 11th December
Very ably directed by Guest Conductor James Bowen Thomas, the choir led a near capacity audience in traditional carols, one of which, While Shepherds Watched their Flocks by Night, was cheekily set to the tune of a well-known Ilkley Moor ditty, and choir member Colin Rampton gave us three lovely light-hearted readings between a fine selection of the choir’s favourite repertoire, most of which is arranged for SMVC by their Musical Director R Huw Thomas.
Wrapping Paper Blues by Ben Parry is a case in point – a rap (of course) about opening the presents under the Christmas tree after lunch, resulting in a mixture of disappointment and delight and an inevitable rising tide of paper all around.
But the undoubted star of the evening was David Bowen Thomas, international bari-tenor opera singer who presented four seasonal songs that filled the church with a magnificent sound from the powerful to the subtle in true classical style: a rare treat, very much appreciated by the enthusiastic audience as well as the choir.
So, a little Christmas celebration, like all tantalisingly wrapped gifts, filled with surprises – and this time, just what we always wanted!
I see from the SMVC website that the choir began over 60 years ago, formed by a group of singing postmen – and it occurred to me that perhaps they were originally called Solent Mail Voice Choir?
Anyway, do have a look at their excellent site: https://www.solentmalevoicechoir.org/ - it might inspire you to join or support – or book them for an event. They simply love to sing!
Anthony Spender
Below L to R: James Bowen Thomas and his brother David Bowen Thomas who both lent the occasion something rather special
Your are most welcome to come along to our choir practice which is held every Tuesday in The Pallant Hall, The Pallant Centre in Havant, PO9 1BE near Portsmouth in Hampshire, from 7.15pm to 9.30pm.
There is plenty of free parking adajacent to the hall. Visitors are always welcome. You don't have to be a singer.
You don't even have to sing! Why not come along on a Tuesday evening and just listen? Bring your wife, freind or partner too.
The Solent Male Voice Choir is a four-part choir established over 60 years ago by postmen in the sorting office. We currently have around 35 choir members and we sing for fun, singing in four to six concerts per year
You may be thinking "Can SMVC sing at our event?".
Well, yes, we probably can. We love it when other people organise and event and all we do is turn up and sing. It all depends on what, where and when.
