Toad Lane Concerts: Oldham Community Choir

Oldham Community Choir

Singing is good for you, say the experts. Choral singing is even better for your well-being, because of the social aspects.

Choirs were particularly affected by the Covid pandemic. Restrictions on places and gatherings as well as the illness meant more than eighteen months of seclusion. It has been challenging for groups to reform afterwards. Oldham Community Choir’s annual visits to St Mary’s had to be suspended due to the pandemic, so, it was especially pleasing to see the choir back again on Wednesday 12 October.

The mixed voice choir was formed in 1985 by an Oldham music teacher. In 1995, Edward Rigg, took over as director. He is also president of Rochdale Phoenix Opera Society and runs the Littleborough Coach House monthly concerts. Today he accompanied at the piano.

Jonathan Gibson was the conductor. A freelance graduate horn player from the RNCM, he is also currently the musical director of Rochdale Phoenix Opera Society and the ladies’ choir More than Melody.

The first set of varied songs began with Bring me Sunshine, the signature tune of Morecambe and Wise. Then a soloist from the choir, Ann, gave a heartfelt performance of Bali Hai.

The second set finished with ‘And all that Jazz’, which paved the way for Edward’s piano solo: Jubilee Rag by Winifred Atwell – supposedly named after the former pub in Newhey that the celebrated pianist-composer frequented.

The final set began with the gentle Suo Gan, and concluded with the foot-tapping When the Saints go marching in.

It was great to see this group of people singing together again, bringing sunshine with a pleasing variety of pieces.

The Queen’s Award-winning Toad Lane Concerts are every Wednesday at 12.30pm at the Grade 1 listed church of 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 details of forthcoming Toad Lane Concerts, click here.

Dr Joe Dawson