This was certainly the feeling of most people on Friday evening at Easingwold Parish Church, when the ladies choir “Jubilate” came to help us commemorate the church’s 600th anniversary this year, with their ‘Summer Celebration’ concert, directed by Amanda Crawley.
They treated us to a very enjoyable and wide-ranging programme, which included old standards and songs from the shows, spirituals, Puccini, Offenbach and (Nobel Laureate!) Bob Dylan! There was a devotional piece by Fauré and old pop favourites like ‘Will You Love Me Tomorrow?’
At one point, the audience were invited to join in, which they did with great enthusiasm, for a ‘Jazz Pick’n’Mix’, dividing into four groups, with the help of choir members, for some loud ‘scat’ singing!
In between the musical items there were some hilarious monologues and a mini-play acted by some of the ladies, while expert accompanist Helen Smith played a piano solo by Chopin: ‘Raindrop Prelude’, remarking how appropriate this was for an English summer!
At the end of the concert, the choir invited us to join them for some splendid refreshments and to collect some excellent raffle prizes. This gave us a chance to meet and congratulate the choir members and discuss a superbly varied programme and a most enjoyable evening.
