Malton District Male Voice Choir seeks new members (From York Press)

Malton District Male Voice Choir seeks new members

10:57am Friday 27th January 2012 in Music news and reviews

Malton District Male Voice Choir is urging men of all ages to add another New Year resolution to their list, namely to sing, not only for their supper but for the good of their health.

The Ryedale choir is seeking to increase its size and membership at the start of its 2012 practice season and has launched a Sing For Your Health! campaign to urge men to “do something for their general wellbeing this year by joining in”.

“Do your health a favour and make it a New Year resolution to sing,” says musical director Chris Gulley, a professional opera and singing teacher from York.

“Singing is good for you as well as being a first-class activity and social event that’s a lot of fun and a great hobby”.

Formed in Malton in 2007 by Covent Garden opera singer Chris Thornton-Holmes and Ryedale performer Tom Todd, the choir brings together singers aged 16 to 85 and is a member of the National Association of Choirs.

“We’ve just opened our new weekly practice season at the Malton Methodist Church in Saville Street,” says Tom, the choir’s chairman. “New members are always welcome and do not need to have previous singing experience. Now is the perfect time to join us and meet new people as we learn fresh songs for this year’s concerts.”

The choir meets every Friday, from 7.45pm to 9.30pm, to sing a repertoire that ranges from popular songs from the shows to folk and opera classics. Anyone interested in joining is asked to phone Tom on 01653 692362 or secretary David Ackroyd on 01944 758693 or visit the website mdmvc.co.uk

The choir’s annual Milton Rooms concert is to be switched from October to May 12 in order to take part in celebrations to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, as well as the choir’s fifth birthday.

Last year’s Milton Rooms concert was held in September, when Ryedale opera singer Wendy Goodson was the guest soloist. The name of the 2012 soloist has not been revealed.

Concerts this year will include the choir’s third collaboration with Harmonia Ladies’ Choir and repeat concerts are planned for towns and villages in Ryedale, where thousands of pounds have been raised for good causes at past shows.