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National Men United In Song 2024
Albert Hall, Nottingham, 25th May
The grand finale!
80 choristers set out from various parts of Hertfordshire (and surrounding areas!) for the Albert Hall - Nottingham - to join the other four choirs involved in this project.
Roadworks and traffic jams were all negotiated safely to arrive in Nottingham at 2pm.
On arrival, we were shown to our assembly areas, and via a carefully-orchestrated seating plan, were assembled en masse in the beautiful hall.
Two hours of rehearsals followed, as Will Prideaux, the Project Director, put us through our paces. That first sound of 400 voices singing and filling the hall with music certainly got the adrenalin flowing!
A little bit of "down time" to relax ahead of the performance, and then we were on!
Filing back into the hall - remembering where to sit - didn't we come in from a different door last time? - the massed ranks of choirs gathered in eager anticipation of the evening's event.
The nervous anticipation as the audience settle in their seats, lighthearted moments as someone waves to a friend in the audience, then silence as Will signals the start of the first song "Bridgwater Fair", and we were off and singing!
Applause from the audience as the first one goes in the bag. You feel the warmth and know it's going to be a good show!
Northampton Men United followed with "My Lord, What a Mornin'" and then Welwyn Garden City Men United performed "The Wellerman" - thanks Cass, for bringing the drum!
Peterborough Male Voice Choir came next with "Sail Away", "Conscience and Remorse" and "Lock The Lake Away".
A soprano solo followed, from Eleanor Cope, who sang "Ave Maria" and "O Mio Babbino Caro".
The first half rounded off with the massed Men United In Song choirs singing "The Rose", "Tell My Father" (from the musical "The Civil War"), and "Bring Him Home" (from the musical "Les Miserables").
The second part of the concert began with Peterborough Male Voice choir performing "Lacrimosa" and "The Steady Light".
Eleanor Cope then performed "Something Wonderful" (from "The King and I") and "By Strauss" (from "The Show Is On").
Worcester Men United followed with "He Ain't Heavy", and then Radcliffe-On-Trent Men United sang "Let It Be Me". Peterborough Men United followed with the rousing "Hunker Down".
The final set saw the massed Men United In Song choirs sing "Danny Boy", "Shenandoah" and "Crossing The Bar" - raising the roof with the final chorus! The added volume was probably as much to do with relief as excitement from singing with such a powerful cohort of singers!
As an encore, "Bridgwater Fair" was reprised, much to the delight of the audience!
The concert was live-streamed on Facebook
The end!
Or maybe new beginnings?
As we all headed off, either to hotels or on a trip back home, we can reflect on the success of the project. Through hard work, and lots of support from the participating choirs, their members and music teams, we look at the achievement we have accomplished, and say "Thank you" to everyone who has supported us on this journey and raised so much for Prostate Cancer UK along the way.
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