Carol Andrew conducts her celebrated choir which has been making music for the past 20 years.
Hartlepool pianist Stephen Sild accompanies the Carol Andrew Singers.
Carol Andrew reunion concert
MUSICIANS from around the world descended on the North-East for a magical night of harmony as a renowned choir celebrated its 20th birthday with a surprise for its founder. Celebrated soprano Carol Andrew formed the choir in June 1987 drawing singers from across the region including Darlington and Co Durham, Teesside and Hartlepool, Tyne and Wear and North Yorkshire.
A sell-out audience packed a school hall for an anniversary concert and to witness a surprise sprung on Ms Andrew.
A piece of music had been specially composed in honour of the popular musician who has helped raise tens of thousands of pounds for charity. At the finale of the concert, at Haughton Education Village, in Darlington (June 9) Ms Andrew was presented with the piece called Only Music, composed by Hudderfield-based Alan Simmons, reducing her to tears.
She said: “It was a really memorable night; something I'll never forget. The music that was written for me was a beautiful idea. I honestly think it's the best present I've ever had. I've been playing a bit of it and it's a lovely piece. It's very melodic and I think the choir will really enjoy singing it.”
The concert was introduced by Alasdair MacConachie, managing director of Sherwoods, which sponsors the singers.
Mr MacConachie, whose wife Val is a member of the 54-strong choir, said the group had raised nearly £150,000 for charity over the past 20 years. He told the audience: “We're very fortunate to have Carol. Without her tremendous passion and leadership we wouldn't have this wonderful choir and we're immensely grateful for all she does.”
The concert attracted former choir members from as far away as Australia, Europe and America. The anniversary event covered sacred and secular performances and featured Hartlepool accompanist Stephen Sild and his son Paul. The highlight of the concert was when past and present members joined forces in the second half forming a 100-strong choir to perform John Rutter’s Magnificat.
Ms Andrew added: “I began contacting past members last year, 125 to be precise. Fifty said they could make it so with 100 voices to call on it was always going to be a wonderful sound.”
Over the years the choir has performed across Europe and the UK. It competed in the BBC Choir of the Year Competition and international festivals, performed on television and even for the Queen and has recorded a CD.
