Musicians impress at Forest of Dean Music Bursary concert

A FUND-raising concert was held in aid of the Forest of Dean music bursary.

The concert at the Forest Community Church included the Drybrook Male Voice Choir and former bursary winners May D’Arcy and Julian Ray.

Choir, led by Musical Director Simon Andrewes, opened proceedings with an enchanting selection of love songs including, ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love’ and ‘Crazy Little Thing Called Love.’ This was followed by rugby songs in both Welsh and English, ending their first set to sustained applause.

May D’Arcy gave a brilliant performance of of Haydn’s Piano Concerto in D minor.

Then came the Chamber Choir with Ave Verum Corpus and an arrangement of And So it Goes

Choir member Chris then recited Who Killed the Bears by Forest poet Harry Beddington.

Saxophonist Julian Ray, with accompanist Sammy, ended the first half on a high with Recorda Me and Blues for Alice.

Kim and Tom Atkinson stood in at the last moment for the Ruspidge Guitar Group.

Their three songs that were really enjoyed by everyone and got both the audience and the choir joining in.

The choir’s accompanist Anita Chaloner and its assistant musical introduced One Piano, Four Hands as a serious classical piece but, much to the amusement of everyone, turned out to be Chopsticks.

They followed with an arrangement of Mission Impossible, a very difficult piece brilliantly performed, in spite of a technical hitch, and loudly cheered by the audience.

Choir members Robin, on guitar, and Brian performed a tribute to the Everly Brothers.

The Drybook Male Voice Choir returned with memorable performances of songs including ‘Working Man,’ ‘Oak and Ash’ and ended the concert with a rousing performance of ‘This is My Forest’

David Chaloner, founder and chairman of the Bursary, gave thanks to all the performers who gave their time and talent free to support the bursary. The bursary is so thankful to Simon Andrewes and the Drybrook Male Voice Choir who are great supporters of it. In addition, several members of the choir have made donations.

David gave particular thanks May D’Arcy who travelled back from Oxford University to perform and Julian Ray who was a little under the weather but still performed brilliantly.

He also thanked were Tom and Kim for standing in at short notice.

The bursary committee were thanked for their time and effort in running the charity and putting on the concert.

It was mentioned that bursary committee needs two more members and anyone interested was invited to contact David for details.

David explained that the bursary existed to offer a little financial help to people making their way in the world of music at times when that can make a real difference to their career.

The bursary is entirely dependent on donations from local organisations and the public.

Details of how to donate either a one off or a small regular donation and/or details about becoming a committee member can be obtained by contacting David at [email protected]