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Review

Toppers, Tiaras and Tarantulas, Ringwood Musical and Dramatic Society Choir, Trinity Church, Ringwood

SINCE my knowledge of Chinese is limited to what I have heard spoken on holidays in Hong Kong or, nearer to home, in my local takeaway, I have no idea whether or not the choir were pronouncing the words of their Chinese folk songs correctly – but the fact that they were singing them in that language at all was pretty amazing.

But I guess I shouldn’t have been surprised that they did, as it seems that there is nothing the choir will not tackle, and this summer concert, which is repeated on Thursday at St Mary’s Church, Ferndown, was full of pleasant surprises.

Between the rousing opener Zadok the Priest and the finale, Masquerade and Prima Donna from Phantom of the Opera, we were treated to an eclectic programme that included Strauss Lieder, Annie Lennox’ Love Song For A Vampire, Mozart & Faure Requiem Masses, clarinet solos from accompanist Colin Petheram, the Banana Boat Song, The Laughing Policeman, monologues and –er – Jack and the Beanstalk.

Under their superb, flamboyant musical director Ivy Tan, the choir sang with enthusiasm, confidence and with a strong, tuneful sound that made for a highly enjoyable evening.

And yes, there was a tarantula!

Linda Kirkman

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