April 24th
Additional dates to be confirmed
All rehearsals will be at the Coniston Hotel unless otherwise advised
We request that members get there by 7-15pm to make a prompt start at 7-30
We have a lovely selection of pieces in the programme for this year; a mix of styles, from classical to contemporary, and film music.
Here's a selection: Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring, Adiemus (Carl Jenkins), Ave Verum Corpus (Mozart), Imagine (John Lennon), Bright Eyes (Watership Down), Best of Abba, A Gaelic Blessing (Rutter), and The Rose (Bette Midler version).
Concert dates this summer: Saturday 29th June in Kirkby Malham, and Saturday 13th July in Giggleswick.
Interested?
There is still time to join us if you'd like to be part of our summer season of concerts.
We have space for sopranos especially, but would be happy to hear from anyone who enjoys singing.
If you fancy having a go why not come along, there are no auditions. You can attend two rehearsals without having to commit.
On a brisk December night, the iconic Victoria Hall, at Settle, draped in the spirit of the season, played host to a sold-out spectacle:
The "Christmas Crackers" concert.
With every seat filled and anticipation crackling in the air, it was clear this wasn't just any ordinary festive performance. This was a night
promising to explode with merriment and musical magic, and explode it did, exceeding even the most hopeful expectations.
From the moment the curtains rose, the audience was swept away on a joyous sleigh ride through a cornucopia of Christmas classics. "The Voices of Craven" Choir, led by the dynamic Darren Everhart and accompanied by the talented Ellie Everhart, delivered each beloved carol and holiday tune with infectious enthusiasm and polished skill. Whether it was the soaring harmonies of "Believe," the ethereal beauty of "Oh Holy Night," or the foot-stomping energy of "Sleigh Ride," every note resonated with the spirit of the season, tugging at heartstrings and igniting smiles in equal measure.
The atmosphere pulsed with the warmth of shared joy. Laughter rang out like sleigh bells as audience members donned festive hats and joined in on singalongs, transforming the Hall into a giant, joyous Christmas chorus.
Adding to the merriment was a delightful boogie of carols performed by Darren and Ellie Everhart, their playful energy and expertise leaving the
audience roaring with festive cheer.
But the "Christmas Cracker" wasn't just about nostalgia and singalongs. It was also a celebration of musical prowess. Under the leadership of the
charismatic Kevin Maltby, the “Giggleswick and Settle Brass Band” showcased a vibrant repertoire, from the sentimental ballad "Fairytale of New York" to lively instrumental pieces that left the audience awestruck.
The sheer musical talent on display was a testament to the enduring legacy of Victoria Hall, a stage that has witnessed history unfold through the lens of music.
As the finale drew near, the performers and audience came together in a final, glorious rendition of "Christmas Festival," by Leroy Anderson, voices weaving a tapestry of festive cheer that reverberated through the hall and out into the crisp December night.
The applause that followed was thunderous, a standing ovation that spoke volumes about the night's magic.
The "Christmas Cracker" wasn't just a concert; it was an experience. It was a reminder of the power of music to unite, to celebrate, and to fill hearts with joy. It was a vibrant tapestry woven from tradition, talent, and unbridled festive spirit. And as the last notes faded away, leaving behind a lingering echo of Christmas magic, one thing was certain: this festive "Cracker" had truly lived up to its name, exploding with a bang that would resonate long after the lights dimmed and the curtain fell.
On the crisp December evening of the 6th, the Coniston Hotel nestled in the Yorkshire Dales played host to a heartwarming concert that perfectly captured the spirit of the season.
The Voices of Craven Community Choir, a vibrant group known for their passion and dedication to music, filled the elegant hotel with their harmonious voices, offering a program of beloved carols and festive cheer to a sell-out audience enjoying a candlelit dinner.
Stepping into the Coniston Hotel's warmly lit space was like entering a winter wonderland. Soft candlelight danced on the tables, casting a
warm glow on the faces of the audience. The anticipation crackled as the choir members took their places.
As the first notes of “Once in Royal David's City,” rang out, a hush fell over the room.
The choir's voices, rich and blended, soared through the air, filling every corner with their pure emotion. The program, a carefully curated selection of traditional and contemporary carols, resonated with the audience, young and old. From the timeless classics like "Away in a Manger" and "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" to the more upbeat renditions of "Sleigh Ride" and "Have Yourself a Merry Christmas."
The choir's performance was a delightful mix of nostalgia and festive cheer. But it wasn't just the flawless execution of the carols that captivated the audience. The choir's infectious enthusiasm and genuine love for the music shone through every note. Their smiles were as bright as the candlelight, and their energy was contagious, drawing the audience into the Christmas spirit.
There were moments of pure magic, like the solo performance of "O Holy Night," which brought tears of joy to the eyes of many listeners.
The audience responded with rapt attention and appreciative applause.
They swayed to the familiar melodies, hummed along softly, and joined in the carol singing with gusto. The warm glow of the candles, the beautiful music, and the shared festive spirit created a truly special atmosphere that lingered long after the final note had faded.
The Voices of Craven's Carols by Candlelight concert was a resounding success. It was a perfect blend of musical talent, festive joy, and community spirit, offering a heartwarming reminder of the magic of the season. The choir's performance left a lasting impression on the audience, reminding them of the power of music to bring people together and create lasting memories.
The Coniston Hotel, December 6th
We were delighted to have been invited by Darren and Ellie to take part in the Settle Community Carol Concert on Sunday 10th December.
What a joy it was to listen to and sing with other local choirs, and to be accompanied by the marvellous Settle Orchestra , the latter including Ellie who demonstrated her amazing versatility in playing both cello and percussion … not at the same time of course!
Singing in a massed choir is a stirring experience and I am sure that all the singers from VOC were amazed by the fabulous sound we were all able to produce together. There is a depth and resonance to a very large choir and it was truly uplifting to be a part of it.
Darren and Ellie had no idea what the size of the audience would be as it was not ticketed, with a retiring collection going to the Settle Pop-Up Pantry.
As it turned out, the Holy Ascension Church pews were full and the rear of the church was packed with standing audience members. The congregation really entered into the spirit of the event, adding to the depth and volume in the community carols – this was certainly ‘Singing in exultation” at its best.
VOC singers are so pleased to have participated in this wonderful event in aid of such a worthy cause.
The Voices of Craven mini-choir went down well with shoppers at the Coniston Hotel’s Christmas market on 26th November. Accompanied by pianist Elaine Dave, the choir performed a selection of traditional Christmas carols and soon drew an audience into the hotel’s conservatory. The choir performed two sessions, with a short break in between to enjoy the delicious hog roast sandwiches and mulled wine on offer. On returning for the second performance, those watching were invited to join in, which they did with gusto, commenting afterwards that now they had heard and sung carols, Christmas had truly begun!
The VOC Steering Group met on 23rd November, where arrangements for our upcoming performances during the festive period were discussed.
Final arrangements were made for the mini-choir of 12 to perform at the Coniston Hotel Christmas market on 26th November.
Voices of Craven benefit hugely from the generosity of the Coniston Hotel in providing a rehearsal venue, and the provision of a small choir to perform carols in the conservatory at this event is one way we like to show our gratitude whilst also boosting the festive atmosphere of the market.
For “Carols at Coniston” (December 6th), preparations were made for attractive colour programmes to be shared with dinner guests to enhance their experience, including printing of the Christmas carol verses to allow those present to join in with the choir to celebrate the season.
Our Choir Manager had been busy discussing the finer points of the evening’s arrangements with the hotel, including ambience, décor and a table service for drinks, all to facilitate the flow of the evening and ensure everyone enjoys the event as much as possible.
The team went on to make arrangements for the “Christmas Crackers” concert at Settle Victoria Hall (16th December), a party night where Voices of Craven share the festive stage with the Giggleswick and Settle Brass Band. This Christmas extravaganza promises to be a lively evening featuring a wide variety of music, from meaningful Christmas pieces to rip-roaring joint numbers with the audience invited to sing along. With cabaret-style seating and a licensed bar, Christmas jumpers and sparkly antlers are welcomed at this hugely entertaining evening of fun in Settle’s traditional music hall.
With Christmas arrangements made, the group went on to discuss our plans for summer 2024 which will feature concerts performed in the beautiful church venues at Kirkby Malham (St Michael the Archangel) on 29th June and Giggleswick (St Alkelda’s) on 13th July.
Voices of Craven (VOC) members were delighted that, following recent editorials in the Craven Herald and in the Gargrave and Malhamdale parish magazines, new members have been coming along in number to our recent rehearsals.
With an exciting and varied programme led by our Musical Director, Darren Everhart, and accompanied by Ellie Everhart, our talented rehearsal pianist, new and established
members alike have been having great fun whilst working hard towards our forthcoming concerts.
We mentioned in our editorial pieces that music-making is good for us both mentally and physically, and this has been borne out in the smiling faces and lively chatter at the end of rehearsals. In addition, the break for refreshments has seen everyone enjoying the social benefits of being a VOC member.
When I officially took on the role of Choir Librarian, I did feel that I ought to try and look the part by investing in a tweed suit, horn-rimmed glasses and sturdy brogues, but those of you who know me well will vouch for the fact that I am much more likely to be seen in gym kit and trainers. I am very keen on keeping fit. Indeed, fitness has been a lifelong habit and routine which provides me with hours of enjoyment…. and gallons of sweat! It also gives me an excuse to wear some age-inapproriate Lycra outfits, an added bonus for me, if not for the general public! In addition, it means that I am able to carry heavy bags of music to and from various places, dart about at rehearsals if members can’t locate a piece and, as long as I don’t put on any weight, means that I can negotiate the very narrow store cupboard at The Coniston where our music and other choir-related items are stored.
As a fitness enthusiast, I am very pleased that singing, along with its spiritual benefits, provides many physical health benefits as well. I have been involved with music, one way or another, for as long as I can remember, but it is only in joining VOC that I began to sing with others on a regular basis and noticed at first-hand just what a great activity it is in terms of improving various areas of physical fitness. I thought that it might be of interest to share a little information on this aspect of singing, a subject which, I notice, is discussed and written about much more frequently as we all seek ways in which to improve our health, particularly as our life expectancy, and our desire to enjoy our extra years to the full, increases. There is a lot of research and information on the subject, but, in order not to bore you with statistics, I have highlighted just a few.
Strengthen your immune system Research has shown that singing improves the immune system. Listening to music has a similar effect. As VOC members, we obviously sing, but we also listen when other sections of the choir are practising their parts, so we are getting a double benefit here.
Give yourself a workout
My idea of exercise is an hour in the gym, a run in the fresh air or a swim, but singing also provides a great workout. After a full rehearsal, the endomorphins are whizzing about and I know that my diaphragm and lungs have been used extensively. Having the opportunity to strengthen your diaphragm, stimulate your overall circulation and increase your aerobic capacity whilst having fun is a winning combination.
Improve your posture
Good posture becomes a habit when you sing regularly. Expansion of the chest cavity and correct alignment of the shoulders and back are just two of the many physical benefits of singing. You will really notice an improvement in your posture particularly if you spend a lot of time sitting at a desk or slumped on the sofa. I always feel about two inches taller after a good sing.
Sleep tight
I wasn’t surprised to learn that singing improves sleep ( not during rehearsals of course) , but I was very interested to learn that it can stop snoring. I am sure that many of you know of individuals who might benefit from this unexpected aspect of choir membership. Indeed, I feel sure that registration forms will be flying off the shelves at this news!
Live longer
I hesitate to make any promises about this one, but I can tell you that the ability to rise from a seated position unaided is considered by many experts to be one of the indicators of longevity. As we stand up at many of our rehearsals and practise doing this neatly for our concerts, we can only be doing ourselves in general, and our quads and glutes in particular, a lot of good.
I do hope that these few lines have given some food for thought. There is endless information out there on this subject if you wish to learn more. In the meantime, know that you can leave rehearsals feeling not only fulfilled and uplifted, but also having improved areas of your functional fitness which will have a positive impact on every aspect of your life.
Happy singing!