On 31st October, the first "live" choir session since March took place in the Traders' Hall in the Cattle Market. Many thanks to the Committee who had worked hard, interpreting the guidelines, devising a Risk Assessment and chalking places for us to stand. The pigeons were an appreciative, if flighty, audience.

Another session had been planned for Saturday 14th November, but has had to be postponed, due to the lockdown

Hazel, our Chair, writes;

What a wonderful morning! The howling wind and the driving rain of Storm Aiden could not deter the socially-distanced singers who made it to the cattle market in Melton today. Everyone stuck to the rules and kept to their allotted space but it was great to be able to see people face to face (not too close!) and exchange news and smiles and laughter.

Carl’s programme of songs was a perfect mix of old and new and it was delightful to hear the harmonies (well, most of the time!) and combined voices after so long.  It shows how much we’ve learned during our Zoom isolation. We even had to have an encore of Fa’a Fetai  so that the boys could enjoy their spectacular ending! So thank you, Carl, for your patience and enthusiasm. Here’s to the next time.

By the way, Carole Clohesy joined us and sang along with great gusto even if she didn’t always know the tune  - or the words! – so well done to her.  And she came all the way on her bike!

Welcome to Carl!!
We’re absolutely thrilled to announce that we have appointed a Musical Director to take over from Liz who is retiring this year.
Carl Hodson is an experienced Natural Voice practitioner who runs a choir in Wolverhampton - Howling Wolves.
Global Harmony immediately warmed to his friendly and relaxed style of directing and the practised and expert way he taught the songs.
We’re so glad that the choir will see an almost seamless transition and continue to build on its reputation for making wonderful music.

Saturday 30th June saw Global Harmony sing at Melton Baptist Church, supporting Melton Vineyard Church’s Honduran project.

It was a significant moment in the Choir’s history as this was the final concert to be directed by our retiring Musical Director, the irrepressible, talented, enthusiastic, inspiring and altogether wonderful Liz Underhill. Your website correspondent was, to her everlasting regret, unable to be part of this emotional occasion, so we begin with Liz’s own thoughts... 

“I'm not going to bore you with my usual long winded comments after concerts - I just want to say one thing.  Thank you for making my last concert as your leader so very wonderful and so very special.  You gave everything your everything - and I shall always remember and savour it!  You were magnificent and it was such a privilege to witness and be part of it.”

Frances, one of our longest standing members wrote;

“Everyone excitedly prepared for our performance at the Baptist church.  Entering the hall, we were elevated by the presence of an almost full house of supporters patiently awaiting our appearance.  The singing was rapturous and fast moving with Liz's continuous smiles and encouragement.

During the interval, I spoke to many of the audience in the foyer, who gave their thanks with gratitude.  All made comments; a wonderful sound; the harmonies were the best ever and we all looked as if we were enjoying ourselves.

It really was a fantastic evening and the Melton Vineyard Church were extremely pleased with the funds raised".

Here’s the reaction from Jules,bass and talented poster designer;

“Fantastic sing with Global Harmony.

I have enjoyed a fantastic 10 years with Liz at the helm.

We will indeed often "Think of thee, forget you not, and remember you, where ere we go"... Many memories burnt into our neurons! Touch the sky with glory! I feel on top of the world!...”

Carole, a stalwart of the altos, reflects on the personal aspects of belonging to GH;

Where have I found love, encouragement, close supportive friendships? Here, for the last 13 years thanks to Liz Underhill who has led us so wonderfully during all that time . Last night was her last session before retirement but the story goes on! :-) A great birthday present from Johnny of Liz's last Global Harmony concert which was the best ever! (sadly without me!!) Thank you, to all the choir members who do save lives.

We wish Liz the very best for her retirement , she can be sure that she has a special place in the hearts and voices of all who have sung with her over the past 13 years.

Freezing Spring weather did not deter a capacity audience at Syston Methodist Church on Saturday 17th March.

Bad weather had been a theme during the spring term of rehearsals, with a couple of sessions cancelled due to snow. This did not affect the standard of performance offered to a very receptive and enthusiastic audience.

The programme featured many choir favourites, or “oldies”, as they are colloquially known, chosen from the singers’ top 20, including the Kink’s Days, and a number of rousing South African numbers such as Iqude, Magano and  Vuma as well as the choir’s signature version of Nkosi Sikelele Africa. Premiered on the evening were an aboriginal song from Australia, Ungala, with added body percussion and Nkosi Dali Wethu from South Africa.

There was a very touching moment at the end of the concert, when the choir’s customary floral offering to Liz was presented by Mary Ward, a “retired”, long standing, and much loved member of Global Harmony who had been in the audience.

"Thank you again for an absolutely splendid evening of entertainment.
Your choir obviously has quite a following, which boosted audience
numbers considerably, and so many people bought raffle tickets too!
The final total was far better than I hoped for - a magnificent
£1,130.00!

I think it will take us all a few days to recover from the excitement
of the occasion."

DEBBIE, from Syston Methodist Church

All in all, well worth the long journey home in arctic conditions that faced many members of the choir and audience.