The EDP played a part in creating the Norfolk Millennium Male Voice Choir after a letter was published calling for people to join a new male voice choir to celebrate the millennium.

By RICHARD PARR

The EDP played a part in creating the Norfolk Millennium Male Voice Choir after a letter was published calling for people to join a new male voice choir to celebrate the millennium.

From those humble beginnings in January last year, a 50-strong choir of voices drawn from across Norfolk is busily giving performances throughout the region, and its Lynn Festival debut delighted an appreciative audience at Lodnon Road Methodist Church.

In a informal and light-hearted manner, conductor David Storey introduced a full and varied programme reflecting a range of styles. From negro spirituals to Offenbach, and from the moving hymn, When I Survey the Wondrous Cross to versatile barbershop, there was something to suit all tastes.

There were two particular light-hearted arrangements by Mr Storey in The March of Anno Domini and Of Norfolk Men.

With musical accompaniment by Claire MacArthur and featuring soloists George Braun (baritone) and Merfyn Thomas (tenor) and the massed voices of the choir, the church was filled with wonderful sounds.

There were one or two special treats, including a clarinet solo in The Old Rugged Cross and the singing of the barbershop quartet, particularly in, When I'm Sixty-Four and Georgia on My Mind.

But the highlight of the evening for many of the audience must have been the songs from guest soloist David Curry.

This amiable, charming Canadian, who was a favourite with the ladies, showed off his fine tenor voice in a number of solo songs including Take a Pair of Sparkling Eyes from Gilbert and Sullivan's The Gondoliers, La Donna Mobile by Verdi and the Flower Song from Carmen.

A concert by a male voice choir, the audience was told, was a festival first – on this showing let's hope it won't be the last.