Toad Lane Concerts: “More than Melody” Ladies’ choir

More than Melody Ladies’ choir

More than Melody is a group of ladies from Bury, Oldham and Rochdale formed in 2008 by Alyson Brailsford to have fun and fellowship in addition to performing.

Their conductor, Jonathan Gibson began playing the French horn at the age of 9 and quickly became a regular player with the county’s youth orchestra and the Northampton Symphony Orchestra. In 1997 he graduated from the RNCM and now freelances with several groups. He is also currently the Musical Director of Rochdale Phoenix Opera Society. The accompanist was local pianist Brian Milligan.

Their performance proved to be a successful way to shake off the glitter and start a new year of weekly concerts at St Mary in the Baum on Wednesday 4 January. A yuletide garland of mainly festive music in a variety of styles, from Carnival Nights by Johann Strauss and The Skaters Waltz by Waldteufel to John Rutter’s Angel’s Carol. Plus, well-liked numbers such as Catch a Falling Star, Scarlet Ribbons and Mel Torme’s Christmas Song, not forgetting Jingle Bells.

All this was punctuated with provocative and amusing readings from three of the choristers and more serious moments such as No Room in the Inn by duettists Pat and Melanie, and a moving mezzo rendition of Steal Away by another of the ladies.

Here’s to a harmonious new year!

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

For enquiries relating to More than Melody, contact Alyson Brailsford on 07773 710325 or alyson.brailsford@gmail.com.