A packed Palace Hotel Ballroom bore witness to an uplifting and joyous evening of music on Sunday, as Buxton Community Choir performed a vibrant summer concert under the banner "Singing Up a Storm". Despite the clash with the Women’s Euro Final—where England’s Lionesses triumphed on penalties (which MD Chris joyfully announced are the beginning of the 2nd half)—the turnout remained strong, with the Mayor of High Peak, Cllr Elliott-Starkey, in attendance.

 

The concert was conducted by Musical Director Chris Blackshaw, accompanied by Chris Flint on keyboard, and enhanced visually by atmospheric lighting from Nick Wilson.

 

The evening's programme took the audience on a thematic journey across seasons, weather, and countries. Even before the opening number, gentle birdsong echoed through the venue, setting a tranquil yet anticipatory tone. The choir, dressed uniformly in black with accents of turquoise and carrying gold-embossed folders, presented a polished and professional appearance.

 

Chris Blackshaw introduced each piece with insight and charm, providing context that enriched the performance. From the first note of "Singin’ in the Rain"—aptly dubbed a potential Buxton anthem—the choir demonstrated technical skill and dynamic control. Their lush harmonies were supported by Chris Flint’s sensitive and well-balanced accompaniment, aided by Alison.

 

A standout aspect of the concert was its thoughtful and creative use of lighting. Subtle but effective colour changes elevated the visual experience—particularly during the “moon” themed pieces, where a serene wash of blue bathed the stage. Nick’s design added an unexpected but welcome layer of drama to the evening.

 

A particularly moving moment came with the choir’s performance of "You Raise Me Up", dedicated to Kay, a long-standing choir member who had recently passed away. Introduced by the Musical Director, the piece served as a touching tribute to her memory, delivered with sincerity and grace.

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Throughout the concert, the choir’s diction was exemplary—every lyric clearly enunciated and emotionally resonant. The balance of voices was impressive, notably the strong representation from male members, with 11 men, 3 basses and 8 tenors who were bolstered by the presence of three female tenors—a rare and commendable feat in amateur choral groups.

 

The first half closed with a powerful rendition of "Bring Him Home", arranged for full choir. Traditionally a solo piece, this version showcased the ensemble's ability to navigate complex harmonies and counter-melodies with precision and feeling.

 

The second half opened with flair as the choir launched into Toto’s "Africa". Accompanied by choreographed movement, vocal sound effects, and dramatic lighting simulating a thunderstorm, it was a clear highlight of the night. Another visual treat came during "Somewhere Over the Rainbow", where multicoloured lights flooded the stage in sync with the familiar yet freshly interpreted arrangement.

 

Demonstrating a willingness to embrace contemporary material, the choir tackled Adele’s "Skyfall" with impressive conviction. So compelling was the vocal delivery, one could almost believe the pop superstar had joined the ensemble.

 

The concert drew to a joyful close with an upbeat trio of summer favourites: "Bring Me Sunshine", which gave the basses a moment in the spotlight; "Walking on Sunshine", bursting with energy; and the universally recognised "I’ll Be There for You", complete with audience participation on the iconic handclaps.

 

This was not just a concert—it was a celebration of community spirit, vocal talent, and musical variety. Buxton Community Choir delivered a thoroughly entertaining evening that left the audience smiling and uplifted.

 

They should be rightly proud of their performance.

Darren Finn-Hurst

Buxton Fringe