We’re back - and in harmony! Well, mostly! It was wonderful to be joined at the Cattle Market by so many familiar happy faces so greatly missed on Zoom. The ‘newbies’ picked up the songs so quickly we were soon making a fabulous sound and this fills us with optimism for the future. Looking forward to seeing everyone in September.
Hazel

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!

)

Our first outdoor sing for a while. Lovely to see people outside of their Zoom windows and to hear harmonies again. Some of them were actually quite beautiful, at least they didn't make Carl grimace too much!!

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.