Toad Lane Concert: The Nightingale Singers

Photo: John Pye

The Nightingale Singers

There has been a thankful resurgence of interest in choirs since the pandemic lockdowns: rock choirs, gospel choirs, and Coronation cathedral choirs. Also, choirs of military wives, heroes, volunteers, prisoners, and workers from every walk of life have kept Gareth Malone busy.

However, The Nightingale Singers were originally founded in 1987. Based in Bowlee, Middleton, they perform up to half a dozen concerts a year. Since 2004 they have been directed by Ken Greaves, performing in the North and Midlands as well as abroad.

If you would like to book them or join them, contact MD Ken Greaves at kcgreaves1@gmail.com.

Sounding splendid in the acoustics of St Mary in the Baum, this mixed-voice ensemble was reminiscent of popular choral groups such as the Mike Sammes Singers of the 60s and 70s, with added touches of good old Northern humour.

Expertly accompanied by Edward Rigg, today’s programme consisted of well-arranged popular numbers: 'Bare Necessities', 'Fields of Gold', 'Pick A Bale of Cotton', 'Don't Sit Under the Apple Tree', 'Bridge Over Troubled Water' and 'Miss Otis Regrets'.

These were interspersed by soloists from the group: Freda ('Our Gracie') Farnworth with 'The Biggest Aspidistra in the World', Graham Sivills playing his own guitar accompaniment in the hilarious 'Dixie's Dog' by Bernard Wrigley (the 'Bolton Bullfrog'), and Martin McLoughlin with an impassioned 'On the Street Where You Live'.

This was all topped off with a Rodgers and Hammerstein 'On Broadway' medley, fully justifying the moving encore, 'Vincent' by Don McLean.

A thoroughly enjoyable concert and a glorious celebration of choral singing.

The Queen’s 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. Contact 01706 648872 for further information.

To see details of forthcoming Toad Lane Concerts, click here.

Dr Joe Dawson