An article by choir member, Sally Flint

It is hard to believe a whole year has passed since our last summer concert in Winterton Church. And here I am again, writing the latest article about our newest concert, Saints’ Singers Turns Ten. When I offered to share a few reflections again, I was not sure I would have anything new to say. In many ways, the sentiment remains the same. The joy, the nerves, the excitement. But there is still plenty of news to share. Last year’s Songs from Stage and Screen was a real highlight, and this year’s celebration was just as uplifting and full of heart.

On Saturday evening, in Winterton Church, our wonderful choir performed to a sold out audience in a concert that was not just memorable, but deeply meaningful. It was extra special as it marked ten years since the Saints’ Singers first began. As much as I am keen to say more about the choir’s journey from its inception to this incredible ten year celebration, I am resisting…for now. A little heads up though - coming soon are reflections from some of our founding members, and an exclusive interview with our Musical Director, Elisabeth Brierley. Watch this space!

Back to the concert...This year, we decided to rehearse in the morning, giving us a longer break between our final run through and the actual performance. It turned out to be a very good call, especially on such a hot summer’s day. We definitely needed the time to go home, cool off, and refresh. In fact, it was such a beautiful English summer’s day that we opted for a more relaxed look. summer dresses and two piece outfits to help keep us cool. I think I can safely say, on behalf of the whole choir, that we looked as pretty as a picture. During the interval, while we were mingling, drinking tea and enjoying biscuits, Elisabeth had a slightly tougher job rounding us all up, but I am fairly confident we did not accidentally recruit any audience members or leave anyone behind!

In the lead up to the concert, Elisabeth asked each of us to send in a shortlist of our three favourite songs from the past ten years. She told us later she received 78 suggestions. Somehow, she managed to narrow it down to twenty. Trust me, that was still a lot of music to practise and master!

One of the most difficult pieces in this year’s programme was Landslide by Stevie Nicks, originally performed by Fleetwood Mac. It was a challenge, there is no pretending otherwise. But in the end, we not only learned Landslide, we felt genuinely pleased with how we sang it, And the best part…Elisabeth telling us afterwards how proud she was of us. I think we managed to learn the extensive repetoire so well because, in addition to listening to the teacher tracks and rehearsal recordings, Elisabeth often reminded us that the most important thing was telling the story through the music. Expression and emotion mattered more than a wrong note or a missed entrance. Many of us said afterwards, in our very enthusiastic post concert WhatsApp chats and in person debriefs, how much that advice had helped. Somehow, it gave us not just permission, but the confidence and encouragement to step into the music with vulnerability and heart. It was not dissimilar to how we had told the story of For Good last year. It’s a beautiful song about friendship from the musical Wicked, written by Stephen Schwartz. That experience stayed with many of us and gave us something to hold on to this year too. We were so glad to perform this song again. Such a great arrangement with such a wonderful message.

Personally speaking, this year’s concert was very special to me. I had dear friends in the audience who were visiting from overseas, as well as my family. They absolutely loved it and each had their own favourite moments, which really shows just how varied and rich our repertoire was. We covered everything from You’ve Got a Friend (arr. Mac Huff) to Both Sides Now (arr. John Coates Jnr), from the delicate O Waly Waly (Trad. arr. Suzzie Vango) to the energetic Bring Me Little Water, Sylvie (arr. Moira Smiley), and the timeless The Parting Glass (Trad. arr. The Wailin' Jennys). We visited American haunts with Feelin’ Groovy, danced our way through ABBA’s joyful Dancing Queen and Mamma Mia, and poured emotion into Skyfall (arr. Paul Langford). As we performed Seasons of Love (arr. Mac Huff), we were reminded why we come together to sing: for joy, for connection, and for the time we share. Other songs we performed included You Make Me Feel Like A Natural Woman (arr. Kirby Shaw), God Only Knows (arr. Ed Lojeski), the incredibly emotional Hallelujah (arr. Oli Tarney), And So It Goes (arr. Michael Neaum), and Blackbird (arr. Audrey Snyder).

Each of these songs was beautifully introduced by a choir member. Sometimes with humour, as when we made it clear we were most definitely NOT thinking of Daniel Craig in speedos or a tux while singing Skyfall. And sometimes with gentle insight. One such moment came with Blackbird, where we were reminded that Paul McCartney originally wrote the song in response to the racial tensions and civil rights struggles of 1960s America. The image of a blackbird learning to fly became a metaphor for hope, resilience, and change. There is no doubt that singing it with that understanding gave the piece even greater weight.

Alongside a gorgeous range of music, we were also lucky to have not one but two pianists accompanying us. Jean Leong, our brilliant regular pianist, was joined by Ben Newton who has been rehearsing with us this year. Their contrasting playing styles brought real depth and variety to the performance. Having one of them step into the choir from time to time was an added bonus. When listening to fellow performers to harmonise correctly and stay in tune, with Ben and Jean close by we could be certain we were listening to stellar musicians. Additionally, just like last year, we welcomed guest musicians - Toby Jacklin on bass guitar and Lisa Oliver on drums who added real energy to our performance. This was perhaps most apparent in our encore piece, One Day Like This, which raised the roof. They both told Elisabeth that our programme choice was ‘banging’ which we chose to be flattered by! 

Just like last year, we received so many compliments about our performance. Almost too many to share. However, we should mention one particularly enthusiastic audience member who suggested we enter Britain’s Got Talent, certain we would be a sure win. Never say never! There is no denying that positive feedback gives a proper dopamine boost, and I think many of us are still riding high on it. At our AGM the following week, Elisabeth said that what we have as a community is something rather special. I think it is fair to say that the whole choir agrees.

As we take our summer break, we have so much to celebrate at Saints’ Singers. It is not just the success of our latest concert, but the whole of the last ten years we are grateful for. One of the things I noticed immediately, when I first joined, was how welcoming everyone is, and how good we are at celebrating and supporting one another. The longer I am in the choir, the more certain I am of how special this is. The camaraderie, kindness, and laughter we share is something truly joyful. It is a powerful thing when women lift each other up.

We also have a lot to be thankful for. Elisabeth, Jean, and Ben - without them we would be lost. Our choir founders, led by Lucinda, who are the reason we are the strong, powerful force we are today. Our audience, who support us so enthusiastically. Our brilliant choir committee. And our generous sponsors this year (North Lincolnshire Rotary Swimarathon and Winterton Town Council) whose support helps make what we do possible.

At the end of this year’s concert, Gwenifer Shawyer, who, whatever the weather willingly opens and closes the church for us, made some beautiful closing remarks that have stayed with us. She said that Saints’ Singers is not just a community. It is a family. She summed up exactly how we feel. So as a family, while we love staying close, we know that sometimes we need to be apart, be it for work, for pleasure, or simply to recharge. But, as a family, we will be back reunited before you know it, and this year there is already talk of something special. Rumour has it we will be putting on our first full length Christmas concert with an amazing ensemble from north of the river - Riverside Brass. For a choir that loves to sing, share and celebrate, more concerts means more joy. I, for one, cannot wait.