Toad Lane Concerts: Oldham Community Choir

Oldham Community Choir

Singing is good for you, say the experts. Choral singing is even better for your social well-being. The Covid pandemic threatened the survival of such groups. However, Oldham Community Choir thankfully endured to make its annual visit to Toad Lane Concerts on Wednesday 18 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 Royal Northern College of Music, he is also currently the musical director of Rochdale Phoenix Opera Society, the ladies’ choir More than Melody, and others.

Songs from the shows began with Sondheim’s Comedy Tonight, plus Oklahoma, Fiddler on the Roof, And All That Jazz, and a medley of The Phantom of the Opera. These were interspersed with contrasting reflective items such as Marta Keene’s Homeward Bound, the folk song Simi Jadech, and Bruckner’s Locus Iste.

This diverse mix culminated in Bring me Sunshine, the signature tune of Morecambe and Wise. The autumn sun indeed streamed through the huge windows at St Mary’s. All that was needed was for Jonathan and Edward to dance off down the aisle like the legendary comedy duo to round off the theme of having fun. Perhaps next time?

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. Contact 01706 648872 for further information.

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

Dr Joe Dawson