The Musical Director of the Rugby Philharmonic Choir, Laurence Panter, again ‘wove his magic’ at the choir’s spectacular Spring Concert ‘A night at the Opera’ in the Temple Speech Room on Saturday 29th March. The concert was exceptionally well supported and those who chose not to come (or who were not able to come), missed a memorable evening of music! Laurence chose fifteen of his favourite pieces of operatic music and wove these into ‘the general architecture of an operatic plot.’ The effect of these ‘timeless stories combined with some of the most powerful music’ was a joy both for seasoned opera lovers and for those who had never heard such music in their lives. For me, the reviewer, the Easter Hymn by Mascagni was my favourite. This brought back special memories to me as I recall singing it and other operatic items (as part of the St Michaels Singers from Coventry Cathedral) at the centenary gathering of Morgan cars at the Cheltenham Racecourse! The ‘Phil’ and the Rugby Philharmonic Quartet rose to the challenge of singing and playing each of these operatic pieces and the evening was filled with rich harmonies, dazzling arrangements, and a palpable sense of excitement in the air. The choir’s vocal precision was matched only by their deep passion for the music, which resonated with the audience at every turn.  

But the strongest applause went to the children of the Dunchurch Boughton Junior Academy Music Ambassadors. To see, for example, the enthusiasm with which they sang and marched to the music of the Children’s March from Bizet’s Carmen was a joy! Their angelic voices blended perfectly with the adult choir, adding an ethereal quality to the evening’s repertoire The soloists were excellent, each one bringing their unique voice to the forefront, elevating the entire performance. Their soaring high notes and emotional depth had the audience captivated, each moment feeling as though they were being transported to another world. The voice of the Welsh baritone, Owain Gwynfryn, was particularly striking.