Toad Lane Concerts: Notability

Notability Choir

Notability was one of the first vocal groups to get back to performing regularly after the pandemic. This mixed-voice choir originated in Manchester in 1993. Initially, eight keen choral singers formed a vocal ensemble to sing at a wedding, which developed into today’s group.

The choir describes itself as a democracy and as such does not have a conductor, which calls for careful ensemble work. This enabled them to adjust well with one or two members unfortunately absent through illness. Even the excellent accompanist, Lesley Cavanagh, was also a chorister.

The programme was the Christmas story in song on Wednesday 14 December.

Three carols by John Rutter, including his famous Angels’ Carol; Joubert’s setting of an early text; Chilcott’s Mid-winter and arrangement of The Gift secured the choir’s reputation for singing challenging harmonies.

The traditional French carol Angels Divine arranged by Ken Berg, the classic ‘Ding dong! Merrily on high’, Gruber’s ‘Silent Night’ and Spanish Shepherds’ Song, arranged by Goff Richards moved the story along beautifully.

A set of numbers in jazzy close harmony such as Peter Gritton’s arrangement of 'Mary’s Boy Child' was finger-clicking good, which led us into the festive 'Have yourself a merry little Christmas', and Fredrick Silver’s hilarious ‘The twelve days after Christmas’.

A much-deserved encore with 'We wish you a merry Christmas' made a rousing and fitting close.

This lovely combination of varied musical styles told the Christmas story in a memorable and enjoyable way through these sophisticated carollers.

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