There are some excellent LBGT choirs in Brighton and Hove, but to my mind the gay men’s group Resound and their female counterpart Rebelles, are technically head and shoulders above the rest.
In the last few years, the 2 choirs have come on leaps and bounds in their tonal quality, adventurous choice of music and confidence.
Hope for the holidays – a new Hove, their latest offering – is no exception. The sheer exuberance would be enough but the wide range of music styles is mind-boggling, from traditional barbershop to bee bop, and a journey from the highly recognisable Welsh valleys to stunning Indian raga, there is never a down moment in their performances.
Opening with the clarion clear Carol of the Bells , they move on to a beautiful light Scandinavian song Staffansvisa – led by their charismatic and vocally brilliant music director Stefan Holmstrom.
In the Irish whimsy of Miss Fogartys Christmas cake they show their comic side, and immediately contrast it with the Rebelle’s unaccompanied Ave Verum with a sound that would grace any cathedral.
In a Child Is Born they tackle a very difficult tonal poem, modern, lyrical and bright. And the Rebelles excel again in a scat and barbershop version of Heart of Glass.
Stars is a joy in rich tonal quality with the added delight of the singers accompanying themselves by running their fingers round the rim of pint glasses – a truly magical effect which must be much harder than it looks.
More barbershop style follows with All I Want for Christmas, with a clever quirky style that is a delight.
With Deck the Halls they bring the night to a close – “Tis the season to be jolly” they sing and I can’t think of a better start to the season than this concert.
You can hear the performance again tonight at St Andrews Church, Waterloo Street, Hove, December 16 at 7.30pm.
Tickets £12 are available from www.resoundmalevoices.org
If you miss them, catch their next gig at the Old Courthouse, Brighton on May 11 and 12 – put the date in your calendar – you won’t be disappointed.
Brian Butler