A Meighbourly performance by the Tay Valley Community Choir

Dec 18, 2014

The annual Christmas concert by the Tay Valley Community has long been a musical highlight of the holiday season. This year’s concert was no exception and the Maberly hall as always was full for the concert, which took place on December 7. Under the direction of their new fearless leader, Rebecca Worden of Perth, the close to 40 singers who make up this four-part choir performed a refreshing and modern seasonal repertoire that included a number of favorite sing-along carols plus some well known but not often performed songs from a variety of musical genres. Highlights included the 1965 Peanuts favorite “Christmas Time is Here”, the long-time classic “Carol of the Bells” and the gorgeous “Do You Hear What I Hear”, each of which demonstrated the fine harmonies that these singers are capable of. Accompanied on piano by the talented Rachelle Reinhart, the choir ventured into some new and interesting musical ground and they performed Paul McCartney's well known “Wonderful Christmas Time”. There was a welcome by Santa (Paddy O'Connor), a fabulous solo performance by Virginia Beckett, and a comical tongue and cheek take on The 12 Days Of Christmas performed by Lyndal Neelin and John Coombs that focused on the logistical nightmare that receiving all those gifts can bring. The choir’s offerings were divided up by a performance by Fiddlers and Friends who played a number of their favorite tunes that included “The Hummingbird Waltz”, “The First Noel”, and “Snow Deer”, which showcased the talents of Lois Webster and her dancing partner Maybelle. The Grinch also made a special appearance and following the concert guests were invited to meet and greet the fiddlers and members of the choir and to share in a number of refreshments that they had prepared. The annual concert is a favorite for music lovers in the area and this year’s offerings made for a very memorable and enjoyable one.