The Cappella Singers took the Cotswolds to the Islands of Mull
and Iona at the end of May. The choir, with conductor Philip Colls, gave
two concerts in local churches on Mull and a third in the ancient Abbey Church
on the tiny island of Iona.
23 singers and partners went on a week-long ‘working’ holiday to this stunning area of the Inner Hebrides and experienced some warm Islands’ hospitality, and unexpectedly - amazingly good weather.
They went at the invitation of Nick Reed, the organist of Kilmore Church in Dervaig, Mull and the brother of a member of the Alto section. As well as accompanying several pieces and conducting his lovely arrangement of a lament (in Gaelic!), Nick demonstrated his skill by delighting both audiences and choir with his subtle choice of beautifully played music on three very different organs.
As usual, the Cappella Singers performed a wide range of mainly unaccompanied music. Whilst on the islands they sang programmes ranging from 16th century pieces by Tallis to Philip Colls’s own arrangement of “Walkin’ my baby back home”.
The concert in Kilmore Church, Dervaig (left)
The concert in the Abbey on Iona (right)