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This week we have been asked to remember the World War I November Armistice with the reminiscences of the survivors in words and visually on TV. Amnesty International & Philip Colls, Musical Director of the Cappella Singers, came together to perform a concert at Christchurch Nailsworth, and reminded us that freedom, peace and tranquillity are still not available for many people in our world. The Cappella Singers were joined by Luke Bond at the organ and the Dancey Wind Quintet. The choir, who have recently welcomed several new members, and in a church with good acoustics, were on top form.

The concert started with a thoughtful rendering of Stanford's "O for a closer walk with God". The first Amnesty reading of Paster Niemoller's "They came" set the scene for the choir to sing Dietrich Bonhoehoffer's evening prayer, in which the soloist was Jonquil Dodd. The second Amnesty reading highlighted the fate of prisoners often tortured, mutilated and thrown into rivers. The Beatitudes by Arvo Part, which have a simple theme but are difficult to execute, showed the sensitivity of both choir and organist. The first half of the concert ended with the very Christian Nunc Dimittis.

In the second half the music concentrated on a gospel view of life, "Swing Low Sweet Chariot was first introduced by the Dancey Quintet, in an arrangement by Elvin Young. This was followed by the third Amnesty reading when David Somervell used his walking stick to dramatic effect when reading a poem on death by firing squad.

Both choir and audience warmed to the gospel mood; there was a great round of applause for Celia McCabe after she sang "Get Happy", and the choir clearly enjoyed singing the spirituals. After "Go down Moses", reflecting Nelson Mandela "let my people go" the concert ended with a very spirited performance of the "rivers of Babylon".

Philip is to be congratulated for the thoughtfulness and skill which produced such an excellent programme.

Ann Bailey

The Cappella Singers: Registered Charity no 262530