Success at the festival!
Newcastle-under-Lyme Festival for Music, Speech and Drama
UHC were thrilled to be awarded the trophy in the adult choir class at the Newcastle-under-Lyme Festival for Music, Speech and Drama last Saturday. Awarding the performance ‘Honours’, the adjudicator complimented the Choir’s ‘exquisite tone’, ‘wonderful diction and communication with the audience’.
The Choir performed three contrasting pieces; Over the Rainbow, an a capella arrangement of Beati Omnes and a lively rendition of Chattanooga Choo Choo, complete with actions.
UHC have been awarded first and third place at the Festival in previous years. Although this year we were the only choir in our class, we were really keen to exceed our previous score of 91 and prove that we were still worthy to claim the trophy. Our many weeks of hard work and practice were thoroughly rewarded when we found out our score was 93; it was a proud moment for everyone involved.
There was also success for UHC members in other classes; Bel Canto won their Musical Ensemble class and Caroline was awarded first in the Pop Open class and second in the Vocal Open Solo.
Bel Canto and Caroline
Topping off a great 12 months
Winning at the festival was really the cherry on the cake after 12 months of working to feel ‘back to normal’ after the disruption of the pandemic. Our Stars and Stripes concert in June 2022 was our first return to performing a summer concert and was a fabulous celebration of music from the USA, from musical theatre to West Coast sounds.
Christmas Concert
Christmas Concert
2022 went from strength to strength when we achieved a long held ambition of our Musical Director, Sue, to perform Benjamin Britten’s Ceremony of Carols at our Christmas Concert. It was the most challenging work we have attempted but both the audience and choir members agreed it was a splendid performance. In Sue’s words ‘it was the greatest thing we have ever done!’
Onwards and upwards
Fresh from our success at the Festival, but never wishing to rest on our laurels, UHC have a busy spring and summer planned. We are now working towards recording a CD, funded by a generous gift we were left by UHC member Pat when she sadly passed away. We are determined to do her proud with a permanent record of some of our favourite pieces.
Following on from our sessions in the recording studio, we will be performing at a UHC member’s wedding in May and then on to our summer concert on the 8th of July. Save the date!