The Voices of Craven Choir delighted audiences at two summer concerts this year, held at the beautiful Churches at Kirkby Malham and Giggleswick.
The Choir was led by the Musical Director, Darren Everhart along with accompanist, Elaine Dave.
Throngs of music lovers were treated to a diverse program ranging from classical masterpieces like Bach's Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring (classical) to contemporary works like Adiemus by Karl Jenkins. The choir also brought the house down with modern favorites like John Lennon's Imagine and the beloved The Rose (Bette Midler version), finishing with a medley of Abba hits that had the audience singing along.
The concerts were further enriched by the performances of talented guest soloists. Jessica Harper and Sarah Fox.
At Kirkby Malham, soprano Jessica Harper captivated audiences with her renditions of A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square and Somewhere from West Side Story.
At Giggleswick, international opera singer Sarah Fox impressed the audience with Mai (Gabriel Faure), My Ship (Kurt Weill), and other pieces by these composers.
The Voices of Craven Choir was accompanied by the Vine String Quartet, who also performed their own pieces throughout both evenings.
After another round of successful summer concerts, we are planning our programme for Christmas 2024.
Autumn rehearsals start on the 9th of October, 7-30pm at the Coniston Hotel.
Come and join us - we'd love to welcome new members. Why not give it a try?
Singing, along with its spiritual benefits, provides many physical health benefits. What a great activity it is in terms of improving various areas of physical fitness.
Physical Health:
Singing exercises your diaphragm and lungs, leading to better breathing and improved lung function. It can also boost your immune system and even help manage chronic conditions like asthma.
Mental and Emotional Well-being:
Singing in a choir is a great stress reliever. It releases endorphins, those feel-good hormones that combat anxiety and elevate your mood. Studies have even shown that singing can reduce symptoms of depression.
Social Connection:
Choirs provide a great way to meet new people who share your love of music. The camaraderie and sense of belonging that comes from working together towards a common goal can be very powerful.
Improved Cognitive Function:
Learning new music challenges your brain and keeps it sharp. Choir members are constantly memorizing lyrics and following along with complex musical pieces.
Creative Outlet:
Singing allows you to express yourself creatively and explore different musical styles. You'll also gain a deeper appreciation for music through the practice of choral singing.
So, if you're looking for a fun and enriching activity that benefits your body, mind, and soul, consider joining:
Voices of Craven
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 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.
See more of what we do below!