A sell-out charity concert bringing together local choirs and musicians raised hundreds of pounds for Cancer Research UK at St Mary’s Church Hall in Wistaston.
The event featured Wistaston Singers, St Mary’s Wistaston church choir, the Wistaston Belles handbell ensemble, and soloists Liam Tyler and Lucia Kemp.
St Mary’s church choir, which has recently re-formed, spent six weeks rehearsing ahead of the concert.
Soloist Lucia Kemp, a former Wistaston Rose Queen, selected Cancer Research UK as her charity during her year-long reign.
The first half of the programme included choral favourites such as Rock O’ My Soul, Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah and Top of the World, alongside flute trio pieces, handbell performances of Ode to Joy and Amazing Grace, and joint items from both choirs including All Heaven Declares and On Eagles’ Wings.
The second half included The Prayer and A Million Dreams from Wistaston Singers, solos from Les Misérables by Lucia Kemp and Liam Murphy, and a moving violin performance by Madeleine Shackleton of John Williams’ theme from Schindler’s List.
The evening concluded with both choirs joining together for ABBA’s Thank You for the Music.
Two members of Wistaston Singers celebrated birthdays on the day, including Chris White and 94-year-old Arthur Bennion.
A raffle featuring 16 prizes was also held, with proceeds going towards repairs to the St Mary’s Church choir vestry.
The concert marked Wistaston Singers’ first performance under Clare Shackleton, following the retirement of long-serving Musical Director Phil Houghton, who led the choir for more than 20 years.
Clare said: “It was incredibly moving to see the church hall full and to feel such warmth and support from the audience.
“For many of us this was a very personal cause, and I’m so proud of how the choirs and musicians came together to create such a special evening, especially as it was my first concert with Wistaston Singers.”
With around 60 members aged from their 20s to their 80s, Wistaston Singers spans a wide-ranging repertoire from musical theatre, classic pop hits and classical works.
The choir welcomes new members, particularly men, and offers free taster sessions every Wednesday from 7.30pm to 9.30pm at Gainsborough Primary School, Belgrave Road, Crewe CW2 7NH.
Visit the Wistaston Singers Facebook Group or email [email protected]
Thank you Clare and all the talented performers for such a fantastic concert and kindly donating to Crewe and Nantwich local committee Cancer Research UK
Marilyn Chairperson