Toad Lane Concerts: ‘Notability’ choir give a noteworthy performance

Notability Choral Ensemble

Choral singing, as with many other musical experiences, has been greatly affected by the pandemic over the past two years. Much of the science behind restricted gatherings and the use of voices was based on early reports of transmission of infection in choral groups.

Whilst many choirs tried to continue using online platforms such as Zoom, with varying success, there is nothing to beat the collective live experience of singing together.

One vocal group that is now gladly back to performing regularly is Notability, a mixed-voice choir formed in 1993 and based in North Manchester. Initially, eight keen choral singers formed a vocal ensemble to sing at a wedding, which developed into today’s group who performed at St Mary's on Wednesday 9 March.

The choir describes itself as a democracy and as such does not have a dictator (sorry, conductor) but encompasses roles such as tempo establisher, accompanist, and publicity designer.

Notability’s eclectic taste in music was evident from the start with contemporary American composer Sally Albrecht followed by John Rutter, and Cantate Domino by the Baroque Roman composer Giuseppe Pitoni. Then American composer Morton Lauridsen was followed by Duke Ellington and an emotionally charged Nella Fantasia by the film composer Ennio Morricone.

Notable soloist Kath Dennerley sang a beautiful unaccompanied Irish folk song and then initiated the very effective accumulation of individual voices for One Voice by Barry Manilow.

Choral fun with Rutter’s The Owl and The Pussycat and skilful arrangements of The Bare Necessities, Over the Rainbow and popular songs by John Deacon, Billy Joel and Wayne Shanklin, led to a Beatles medley as a grand finale.

They noticeably gathered in confidence throughout the concert, cooperating well as an ensemble, blending sympathetically and phrasing sensitively.

The substantial audience was delighted with the concert and there were demands for a repeat visit; not least from the singers themselves who revelled in the superb acoustic at St Mary in the Baum.

The award-winning Toad Lane Concerts are every Wednesday at 12.30pm at St Mary in the Baum, Toad Lane, Rochdale, OL16 1DZ. Entrance fee is £6. No refreshments available now, but the venue is Covid-19 compliant. Contact 01706 648872 for further information.

To see the March & April 2022 programme, click here.

Dr Joe Dawson