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For tickets for any of our concerts, to book the Wedding Choir, or to book the choir
for your event, contact our concert secretary, Ros Meehan, on 07862 736766
Sunday 26th January 2020 - we marked International Holocaust Day by performing the Holocaust Cantata
at the Church of St Hugh & St John in Timperly. The performance began with the Song of David, The Lord is my Shepherd,
by John Rutter, than moved in to an arrangement by Dr A H Claire of a lullaby written by a woman who died at Terezin
Concentration Camp, in Czechoslovkia. The choir then sat to listen to a beautiful setting of Mendelssohn's
Song Without Words, played by Bob Burgess on the cello and Richard Lea on the piano. Then Julie Leach played the theme
music from Schindler's List, accompanied on the piano by Ros Meehan. After a few minutes of reflection,
the choir began the cantata accompanied by Bob on the cello and Richard conducting from the piano. The Cantata is a
setting of songs from the camps, interspersed with readings from letters and memoirs of those in the camps. It
was very moving, and applause was felt to be inappropriate. At the end, the choir sat down for a few more
moments of reflection. Then the audience burst into spontaneous applause. Later, an audience member emailed
to say "I have just arrived home from listening to your wonderful choir- it was utterly magical. The two soloists took
my breath away....many congratulations to all the choir, and thank you so much".
Saturday
14th December, we welcomed in the festive season for a second time, at Rivington Church.
Lots of Christmassy music, with the audience joining us in carols, and later mulled wine & mince pies!
Sunday 8th December,
at St Osmund’s church, Long Lane, Bolton. We welcomed in the festive season with a new venture for
us..... an afternoon Christmas concert, 2-4pm. Carols and festivities abounded, cake, mince pies, and cups
of tea flowed... and who could forget toddler Curtis crawling up and removing some of the carol books from the floor in front
of the alto section, where they had placed them whilst we sang, to their consternation.... but he gave them back
before we launched into the audience-participation carols! Great fun for audience & choir alike!
Saturday 19th October -
by kind invitation of St Katharine's Church, Blackrod, we reprised some of the songs and solos from our summer concert
- the first half was mainly sacred and secular classical items - the Flower Duet from Lakme was very well received ,
people commenting that they had heard it many years ago as a commercial for an airline company! The interval buffet
of skewers of meat, salad vegetables, and fruit was washed down with a glass of wine or juice. Suitably
refreshed, the second half was more light hearted, the song "Can you feel the love tonight?" from
The Lion King was particularly appreciated. The evening finished with audience participation, particularly The
White Cliffs of Dover. The evening raised over £300 for church funds.
Saturday 7th July 2019, at St
Brendan's church. Harwood A great concert, with a great audience. The official
Bolton Amateur Theatrical Society (BATS) reviewer said..... " The Brixi Singers Musical Director: Rory Wainwright Johnston The
sun was shining on a balmy Sunday evening and the Brixi Singers were on top form for their latest offering which opened with
a beautifully sung White Cliffs of Dover complete with stunning harmonies resounding through the Church. This
was followed by Suzanne Marsh and Eleanor Hill who both displayed outstanding vocal ability with the Flower Duet from Lakme
– just wonderful in every aspect of musicality. Piano solo by Alan Beedie was very impressive, effortlessly executed Debussy’
Arabesque 1 whilst Paul Stanley and David Griffiths impress as Tenor and Baritone together provide ear pleasing melodies accompanied
by faultless flautist, Julie Leach. Other numbers were equally top notch and, as act one closed, Ava Maria was delightful and brought a tear to the eye
due to this moving performance by the ensemble, with solos by Paul Stanley, Suzanne Marsh and Wendy Henshaw – breath-taking
By comparison,
the opening to act two offered a contemporary feel with a rousing Ain’t No Mountain High Enough which caused many a
foot to tap. Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah was brought to life, with the essential light and shade required for this piece,
vocally masterful and conducted with a genuine passion by Rory. Elton John’s familiar Can you feel the love tonight
was well delivered; enchanting vocals resulting in a fierce crescendo that filled the Church With several of the Brixi members accompanying each
other, the true talent of this choir was there for all to see and the rapturous applause paid testimony to the appreciation
of the audience. If
you have never experienced a Brixi performance, I urge you to ensure you book your tickets for their next performance. You
will be blown away as I was, by the standard, quality and endeavour of this chamber choir and I can guarantee that you will
not be disappointed. Paul Cohen BATS"
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