Church concerts that were truly memorable

OCTOBER at Rochdale’s weekly music at lunchtime concerts at St Mary’s in the Baum was particularly varied and memorable with instruments and voices galore.

Greek flautist, Anna Rosa Mari, was joined by Welsh harpist, Eira Lynn Jones, in a perfect pairing. Their introductions were charming and engaging and their wonderful playing of works including Mozart, Schubert and Debussy.

Telemann Baroque Ensemble consisting of Alistair Roberts flute, Elaine Turnock violin, Roger Bisby cello, Joanna Wallington cello and Peter Collier harpsichord. The audience was swelled by 20 GCSE music students from St Cardinal Langley RC High, who were treated to a fine live concert of C18 music with the bonus of seeing and playing a real harpsichord.

Oldham Community Choir was conducted by Jonathan Gibson and accompanied by Edward Rigg. The thirty-strong mixed choir gave songs from Rutter and Franck, with some solo contributions, culminating in a medley from Les Misérables.

Voci voices - These four stars of the City of Manchester Opera Company brought the house down with a wide-ranging programme of duets and quartets.

Soprano Margaret Ferguson and pianist Jonathan Ellis performed as an experienced duo with their usual aplomb. Regular recitalists at St Mary’s, they never fail to delight the audience.