Toad Lane Concerts: More than Melody Ladies’ Choir

More than Melody Ladies Choir

It was beginning to feel a lot like Christmas for the crowded audience at St Mary in the Baum with this joyful and cheerful concert on Wednesday 20 December.

More than Melody is a group of ladies from Bury, Oldham and Rochdale formed in 2008 by Alyson Brailsford ‘to have fun and fellowship and provide a programme of musical entertainment. They all undoubtedly lived up to their mission.

Conductor, Jonathan Gibson graduated from the RNCM (Royal Northern College of Music) as a horn player and now freelances. He is also currently the musical director of Rochdale Phoenix Opera Society.

Pianist Brian Milligan is a member of several vocal and opera groups and accompanied throughout. He also contributed a piano solo with cello obbligato, and sang The Holy Boy by John Ireland as a contrast to the female voices.

But it was the ladies performing skilfully arranged part-songs for the 16 or so voices, who principally provided a cornucopia of seasonal songs. This was punctuated by readings and solos from the choir and novelty items such as Calypso Noel by Krunnfusz with its Caribbean colour, complete with maracas, and Noel Noel by Jan Holdstock demanding audience participation.

‘Let the Christmas bells ring out’ was the final cry and everyone departed filled with the spirit of Christmas.

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.

Dr Joe Dawson