Snow stopping ‘em .. the choir sang on!

Derek Murdock of the Seven Towers Male Voice Choir pictured at a reception with the Mayor of Ballymena, Ald. PJ McAvoy, prior to their concert in the Braid, along with special guests Catrina Scullion (soloist) and members of the Ballymena Academy jazz group. INBT13-231AC

However, as that famous old theatrical saying puts it, “The show must go on” and go on it certainly did.

This year’s guest artists were the soprano, Catrina Scullion, cellist, Eva Richards and the Ballymena Academy Jazz Group.

Catrina is originally from Ballymena. Her Grandfather and Great Uncle both sang with the Seven Towers choir in years past so her participation was a homecoming of sorts. Now based in Dublin, her career has taken her all over the world (New York, Los Angeles and Ballymena!). Catrina’s exceptional talent and rapport with the audience was evident as sang a variety of popular pieces including “I’ll walk with God” and “The Blue Hills of Antrim”.

The Seven Towers concert now regularly provides a platform for some emerging young local talent and this year was no exception. The 17-year old Eva Richards, a pupil at Ballymena Academy, and 2013 Northern Ireland Young Musician of the Year, produced a mesmerising display of musicianship on the cello. Her mature interpretation of the Elgar cello Concerto was particularly impressive. The Academy Jazz group’s rendition of “Twinkle, Twinkle, Baa, Baa black sheep” provided a complete contrast in style and further demonstrated the versatility of young musical talent within the locality.

The 50 strong male voice choir confidently performed a wide repertoire of pieces including a toe tapping Lennon and McCartney medley, the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic, “There is nothing like a Dame” and that male voice standard, “Seventy Six Trombones”. A particularly nice arrangement of the modern hymn “In Christ Alone” rounded off the first half and a rousing rendition of the ever popular “Bridge over Troubled Water” brought the night to a close.

The concert was ably compered by the choir’s chairman, Derek Murdoch, using his unique blend of charm and humour. Musical Director, Thelma Strange and Accompanist - Rae Shiels are to be specially congratulated for all their hard work and dedication throughout the year which culminated in a great evening’s entertainment.

Ballymena is fortunate to have such a strong local arts scene and the annual Seven Towers concert remains a cornerstone of the calendar. It continues to be generously supported by a range of sponsors (principally, Wrightbus) and a host of volunteers.