Sperrin Choir to perform medley of popular hits

On Wednesday 9 May at 8pm the Sperrin Choir take to the stage to present their Spring performance, “Popular Hits 2012”.

The Sperrin Choir’s musical director, Sam Cuddy, has picked some of the best loved hits from the past forty years for this season’s programme.

Sam said: “I wanted to choose songs that are well known, but challenging, songs that the audience would instantly know, and would be able to engage with. We will be tackling Queen’s almost operatic “Bohemian Rhapsody”, as well as Bob Dylan’s really mellow “Make You Feel My Love”, which has recently been a massive hit for Adele. These are just two great songs in a programme which has something for everyone.”

The Sperrin Choir, which has been in existence since 1975, possesses a wealth of musical experience and has enjoyed testing itself when rehearsing these popular hits. The cross-community, amateur choir based in Magherafelt, has just over fifty members from the Mid Ulster area and beyond.

Caroline Jones, from Ballyronan, graduated in 2011 from the University of Ulster, Magee, with a Bachelor degree in Music. At the age of 16, Caroline commenced singing lessons with soprano Marie O’Sullivan and most recently, Caroline has progressed to the Ulster Youth Chamber Choir which, in August 2011, saw her performing in the Royal Albert Hall, London. She will be performing the music of Monteverdi and Purcell next month as part of this ensemble.

Gareth Brown, from Randalstown, a final year student at Queen’s University, Belfast, began singing at the age of 15 under the guidance of renowned teacher Lesley Henry and the mentorship of Sam Cuddy. As his love of singing grew and his voice developed, Gareth favoured a repertoire that included German Lieder, Light Opera and Oratorio, and classical musical theatre. However, in more recent times, he has enjoyed performing pieces from contemporary music theatre.

Kirsty Hughes, from Magherafelt, is the newest young star in the Sperrin Choir, and she is at present an Upper Sixth student at Rainey Endowed Grammar School, Magherafelt. She joined the choir officially just over a year ago, though she did perform solos in previous concerts as a guest.

These three young singers will be performing as part of the Sperrin Choir, and they will also be giving solo performances in which they will be displaying their fine vocal abilities.

Tickets cost £10, concession tickets £8, call the Box Office on 028 86769949 or goto www.burnavononline.com.