Melodic summer concert at Bamford Chapel

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Photo: Laura Wild

‘More than Melody’ and soloist Charlotte Exley

Almost one hundred people gathered at Bamford Chapel this evening (Saturday 21 August 2010) for a very vibrant summer concert.

The show of two halves was performed by ‘More than Melody’ the Bamford Ladies Fellowship choir.

The audience was entertained by an array of choral songs including Thomas Morley’s ‘Sing we and chant it’ and John Bennet’s ‘All creatures now.’

More than Melody was formed in 2008 by Alyson Brailsford and members come from a variety of musical backgrounds, choral societies and church choirs.

The ladies are under the direction of Marsen Holden and this evening they performed a repertoire of short pieces from operas, musicals and songs from folk traditions.

The group traditionally perform in the day time at venues across the borough but they like to have a big concert once a year.

The choir is a fond believer in showcasing new talent and they did so this year by giving 21-year-old local singer Charlotte Exley the chance to perform.

Ms Exley, a former student of the Rochdale Music Centre is now studying singing at Leeds Music College, she is however, a versatile musician playing both the oboe and the flute and various brass instruments.

Ms Exley showcased her outstanding voice when she sang the ‘Gypsy Song’ and a very witty performance of Cole Porter’s Oyster.

The student is currently preparing for the third year of her course and was asked to perform by the choir which her grandmother is a member of.
 
“This is my first solo performance,” said Ms Exley. “But it is very exciting and I would like to come back next year if they will have me.”

Joan Warner a member of More than Melody and of Bamford Chapel said: “The people in the choir really look forward  to this night, it is our one big night.

“We also like to take this opportunity once a year to introduce new talent.”

Amongst the audience was the Mayor of Rochdale, Councillor Zulfiqar Ali and MP for Heywood and Middleton, Jim Dobbin.

All the money raised from the concert will be given to the Bamford Chapel.