The Dalkeith Singers – Spring 2017. Photo courtesy of Michael Ferguson.

There was a packed audience for the Dalkeith Singers spring performance at St. Nicholas Buccleuch Church on Saturday 13 May. The programme drew upon spiritual and folk music from across the world – from John Rutter’s beautiful arrangements of African American spirituals Feel the Spirit and the Namibian prayer Meguru, to works of a more European flavour, such as the uplifting Mamma Mia medley as well as a couple of folksongs from home such as the popular Air Falalalo. Overall, the programme had something for everybody.

This was the first performance of the Dalkeith Singers under the baton of our new Musical Director, Jessica Leary, who took up her post in January. The choir and audience were also treated to Jessica’s singing talents during her solo in Mozart’s Laudate Dominum, which also gave the choir a chance to welcome Jessica’s husband, Michael Ferguson briefly to the conducting podium. Special guests, Bob Miller on bass guitar and Neil Wilson on drums also accompanied some of the works. The choir and committee were especially grateful to Ailsa Aitkenhead for accompanying the singers splendidly on piano at short notice. We wish our accompanist, Donald Thomson a speedy recovery and look forward to having him back behind the piano when the choir resumes in September.

At each concert the choir chooses a charity to support. This time it was Parkinson’s UK and £662.19 was raised from the retiring collection taken at the concert, which will be passed on the Edinburgh branch of the charity to support their fantastic work. Thanks to everyone who contributed.