The choir presented a varied programme of music, which included songs from Les Miserables and Mama Mia as well as foot-tapping numbers like Alexander's Ragtime Band.

Performing more sacred pieces such as an innovative modern mass by R Chilcott and a wonderful version of The Lord Is My Shepherd, the choir, conducted by Paul Dewhurst with accompanist Kim Kaye, showed its versatility and achieved some finely-tuned harmonies.

Interspersing the choir's performances, Lisa Baker on flute and her sister Catherine on piano, both descendants of renowned local composer Albert Watson, contributed richly to the success of this musical soiree, giving excellent renditions of both Dvorak's Humoresque and Faure's Pavane.

Lisa's superb playing was particularly evident in her bass flute performance of Miyagi's The Sea In Spring, while Catherine delighted the small audience with Rachmaninov's soulful Variation 18 on a Theme of Paganini and Kenneth Leighton's fiery Study, which contrasted sharply with her playing of the more muted and introspective piece Pensee, written by her great-grandfather.

The few who attended, including myself, had a most uplifting and enjoyable evening. The only disappointment of the event was the very poor audience turnout.

This leaves me to pose the burning question: where have all the music lovers in Pontefract gone? They certainly missed out on this occasion.

MARGARET CAMPBELL
Chequerfield Drive
Pontefract

IT was a grand night for singing – well, to be exact, two grand nights – when the Shearings Featherstone Male Voice Choir gave its 28th annual patrons concert in Featherstone Methodist Church on June 5 and 6.

These veterans of song were in fine voice and so was the audience as together they sang the opening hymn Cwn Rhondda with piano and organ accompanists Colin Malpass and Elaine Oakley and musical director Paul Rhodes. The choir sang a varied programme of songs, including Comrades In Arms, The Rose, Csardas, Take Me Home, Bobby Shaftoe and many more favourites.

Guest artist was Judith Hibbert, a soprano and light comedienne, and what a wonderful performance she gave. Her comdey brought laughter and songs both laughter and tears.
Judith paid an affectionate tribute to some of the great artists, including Julie Andrews, Joyce Grenfell and Gracie Fields. A fan of old fashioned variety theatre, it was a fitting tribute to some of England's greatest entertainers.

Thanks were given to Judith, choir and audience by deputy musical director, Geoff Trigg.

Future dates include Saturday September 12 in Featherstone Methodist Chapel at 7.15pm with a charity concert in aid of the Prince of Wales Hospice. Do come along with a smile and a song.

JOYCE BELL
Doncaster Road
Ferrybridge