ENROL – EXPERIENCE – ENJOY

Carlton Male Voice Choir stands as a distinguished ensemble of lower voices under the expert leadership of Musical Director Ian Watts (he/him), consistently delivering captivating performances across various genres. We prioritise inclusivity, ensuring accessibility to all while performing at a diverse array of venues, from festivals and car shows to grand concert halls and enchanting theatres, public parks, and even esteemed Minsters and Cathedrals, often in support of charitable causes via our own charity 1214041. Notably, we maintain a secular identity are not affiliated with any religious organisation, though our repertoire may include religious pieces, affirming our commitment to relevance and diversity.

Our expansive and progressive repertoire caters to a wide spectrum of musical tastes, curated meticulously to meet the demands of our flexible concert performances. Eschewing traditional attire, we opt for modern cut suits or smart/casual ensembles, embodying a contemporary approach to choral presentation. Constantly rejuvenating our sound, we incorporate new and exciting music for lower voices, complemented by occasional hymns but extending far beyond to encompass classical, jazz, pop, and opera genres. Praised as “the future of male voice singing,” we continuously strive for excellence, as evidenced by our diverse and dynamic repertoire. See our review page to see what others think of the choir.

Performing approximately 30 times annually across Nottinghamshire, our schedule includes flagship concerts at prestigious venues such as The Albert Hall and the Bonington Theatre, where we host our celebrated Festival Concerts. Beyond our local engagements, we embark on annual tours across Europe and the UK, fostering cultural exchange and musical enrichment. We also extend our hospitality to visiting choirs like the renowned Treorchy Male Choir and Dowlais Male Choir, while championing emerging talent through our own Music Competition, “Music Makers.”

At the helm of our operations, we boast a dedicated set of trustees overseeing day-to-day affairs, supported by a dynamic Music Team comprising Ian Watts, Andrew Atkinson, Philip Miles and Rebecca Williams. Committed to our charitable mission as a registered charity, and buoyed by generous sponsorship, Carlton Male Voice Choir remains steadfast in its pursuit of musical excellence and community enrichment.

Who are we? – We are Carlton Male Voice Choir, a choir of lower voice members who rehearse and perform from our base in Nottingham, performing solely and in collaboration at a wide array of venues.

What are our values? – We value the up-skilling of our members musically, our equality, diversity and inclusion, our ambition, our camaraderie and our charity work (charity 1214041). Enrol, Experience, Enjoy.

What are our artistic goals? – To be unfailingly ambitious in promoting and educating people through the art of music, delivering our performances at a high standard of entertainment excellence.

Who are our target audience? – Everyone that enjoys hearing live music across various eras, styles and genres.

Discover our recent endeavors by exploring any of our social media links located at the bottom of this page.

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SET LIST

Carols by Candlelight

West Bridgford Methodist Church

Friday 5th December, 2025

Programme Notes

Thank you so much for joining us today in this beautiful historic venue, and for being part of our Christmas performances this year. We’re proud to present Nottingham’s premier Male Voice Choir, now with over 100 singers on our books. Of these, 98 have now been auditioned, and we’re thrilled to say that our 34th new singer this year passed his audition only a week last Wednesday! Congratulations to bass Chris Mooney!

Carols by Candlelight is more than a concert — it’s an invitation to step into the spirit of Christmas: to enjoy wonderful music, share warmth and community, and celebrate the joy of the season together all under the warm glow of candlelight.

Tonight, we are delighted to welcome you to enjoy the music of the Carlton Male Voice Choir, conducted by Ian Watts and accompanied by Philip Miles, and to give an enthusiastic welcome to our fantastic guests:

Lyrical Songbirds (Women’s Choir) with Musical Director Rachel Atkinson and Accompanist Judy Holborow.

Below you will find the programme for this evening. Thank you again for being with us — we hope you have a magical night by candlelight.

 

Set 1 

Carlton Male Voice Choir

Sound the Trumpet – Purcell, arr. by E. Markham Lee – Completed in 1694 as a duet for the aria Come Ye Sons, Art Away, this stirring piece was originally written in honour of Queen Mary’s birthday. Arranged for four-part male voices, it’s a triumphant and joyful way to begin the Christmas season and the choir will sing it from above your heads before they adorn the stage area.

African Trilogy – arr. by Gwyn Arch – A vibrant medley of South African music: Siyahamba, Shosholoza, and the South African national anthem. One of our tenor soloists, Geoff Brooks, leads the choir from the balcony. We dedicate this performance to former member Daniel Ayree (RIP).

Fanfare for Christmas Day – Martin Shaw – A bright and uplifting (very) miniature fanfare, brand new to the choir and receiving its first performance tonight. Shaw, an English composer — uncle of Sebastian Shaw (the unmasked Darth Vader in Return of the Jedi) — wrote this piece in 1922, later published in 1928.

Mary’s Boy Child – Jester Harrison, arr. by Stan Bowser – Made famous by Harry Belafonte and later Boney M, this arrangement features a solo throughout from Second Tenor Robbie Jacques, with the choir humming gently beneath him. Robbie has also composed a brand new piece which will join our repertoire in 2026 — please encourage him as he gives his very first solo with the choir tonight.

Happy – Pharrell Williams, arr. by Mark Brymer – An upbeat, infectious celebration of joy from Despicable Me 2. First introduced to the choir in 2015 who found it difficult with its complicated and syncopated rhythms, it returns now with a choir ready to meet its rhythmic and vocal challenges — a sign of how far we’ve come in the last decade.

Quem Pastores – 14th Century Traditional – arr. by Alan Simmons – A beautiful 3/4 melody paired with elegant piano accompaniment from Philip Miles, offering a tender depiction of shepherds honouring the Christ child.

Saviour’s Day – Cliff Richard – arr. by Alan Simmons A festive favourite that needs no introduction — it wouldn’t be Christmas without a touch of Cliff!

You Do Not Walk Alone – Elaine Hagenberg – One of the choir’s favourite contemporary composers. This Irish blessing, with its Celtic lilt and expressive key change from E major to F major, reminds us of the strength found in community, especially in times of challenge and change.

I Swear – All-4-One, arr. by Carl Strommen – A tender 90s classic. The choir proudly leans into its inner boyband — and the result is both fun and genuinely touching.

 

Lyrical Songbirds

Mary Did You Know –Arr. For SSA by Fred Beck – The words were written by Mark Lowry in 1984 as part of a church Christmas program crafting a series of reflective questions he imagined asking Mary whilst she held the newborn Jesus. It was first recorded in 1993 by country singer Kathy Mattea on her album “Good News” in 1993. It’s most recently been popularised by a capella group Pentatonix. We love the beautiful harmonies in our version just as much.

Ave Maria, Camille Saint-Saens (1865), arr. for voice and harp by Mike Magatagan (2012) – Saint Saens was a French Romantic composer, who wrote lots of beautiful music, his most recognisable works are, arguably, the Carnival of the Animals, and his Danse Macabre.

Saint Saens wrote lots of settings of the Ave Maria between 1859 – 1914, and although his works are less famous than Schubert’s or Gounod’s, they remain beautiful interpretations of the Marian prayer. This setting in A major is from 1865, and was originally written for soprano, tenor and organ.

O Holy Night! – Adolphe Adam arr. by Linda Chapman and Bonnie Heidenreich –Originally entitled ‘Cantique de Noel’ from France in 1847, it was translated into English by John Sulivan Dwight in 1955. It has been recorded, and broadcast thousands of times since 1906 when Reginald Fessenden played it on violin, and sang it during the world’s first radio transmission of voice and music. Most recently by famous artists such as Mariah Carey, Andrea Bocelli and Josh Groban. Dwight’s translation carries a strong social justice message, and resonates with the 19^th C abolitionist movement “Chains Shall He Break, for the Slave is our Brother”. It’s currently No. 1 in the Classic FM Christmas Countdown, and has been repeatedly for the past 15 years.

The Holly and The Ivy – trad. English carol arr. by John Rutter – The words date back to the 18^th Century with roots in English folk tradition. This tune is one of many traditional tunes, and arranged in Rutter’s gentle and lyrical yet joyful style. This SSAA version is from Oxford’s ‘Carols for Choirs book 4’ and has 2 different verse settings. Verses 1, 2 and 5 are in A major, with the sopranos singing the tune, and verses 3 and 4 are in E major led by the altos.

 

INTERVAL

 

Set 2

Lyrical Songbirds

Glow – Eric Whitacre – Glow was composed in 2013 for Disney’s World of Colour, a Winter Dreams Show at Disneyland California. The poem evokes winter and light, with lines like “Softly falls the winter snow, whispers to the sleeping world below”. It was recorded by Whitaker’s Virtual Choir during the 2020 Covid Crisis, sung by hundreds of voices together as a sign of hope.

Angels from the Realms – trad. English carol to Coal Aston tune and arr. for SSAA by Dr. Tom Owen – This carol was written in Sheffield by James Montgomery in 1816, and the tune is a local Sheffield tune from the suburb of Coal Aston. It’s a folk influenced tune, joyful and rustic and traditionally sung unaccompanied or with simple instrumental support (like fiddles, accordians or brass in local Sheffield pubs). This SSAA a capella arrangement is by a local Sheffield musician Dr. Tom Owen. It was premiered by the Sheffield Music Academy Senior Choir last Christmas, our MD loved it so much she asked him for a copy for Lyrical Songbirds. Dr Tom Owen – Sheffield Music Academy

Christmas Lullaby – John Rutter – Composed in 1990 by John Rutter, it was written for the Vocal Chamber Choir of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, and first performed there. It’s gentle words and lilting melody (in a waltz time) make it a favourite for advent time, as well as Christmas. Rutter is an absolute staple composer for choirs at Christmas, and has just celebrated his 80^th birthday this year.

Let It Snow – arr. by Cydnet Olson Van Duker – Written in 1945 in Hollywood, California, ironically during a heatwave. Lyricist Sammy Cahn and Composer Jule Styne. It was recorded in the same year by Vaughn Moroe and his orchestra and became an instant hit.

The Blessing – trad. Irish poem arr. SSA by Katie Moran Bart – A traditional and well loved Irish piece, with roots in ancient Celtic oral poetry, and early Christian prayers. We’ve been singing this beautiful 6-8 arrangement since early in the year, to end our practices with. And what a lovely prayer to finish this evening’s concert set too.

“May the road rise to meet you,

May the wind be always at your back,

May the sun shine warm upon your face,

The rains fall soft upon your fields,

Until we meet again,

May God hold you in the palm of His hand”

Carlton Male Voice Choir

A Merry Little Christmas – arr. by Goff Richards – A delightful medley of seasonal favourites — Jingle Bells, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, Winter Wonderland, and more. Keep an ear out for hints of O Come, All Ye Faithful and Deck the Hall hidden in the piano part.

O Come, Emmanuel – Elaine Hagenberg – Another first performance tonight. Suggested by Baritone Alan McPherson, this contemplative new work weaves chant-like melodies through expressive minor harmonies.

Let Me Listen – Dan Forrest – A powerful piece written in support of BIPOC communities, reminding us to pause, listen, and value each other’s stories. A piece that moved our choir from the very first rehearsal as supporting one another is key to our own ideology.

The Awakening – Joseph Martin – Written for the 20th anniversary of the Texas Choral Directors Association, this stunning three-section work follows a journey from despair to hope, inspired by the composer’s own experience of finding music again after tragedy.

Deck the Hall – arr. by Alan Simmons – A sparkling and energetic arrangement that bursts into life from the very first bar. A bright key change introduces a gentler middle section before returning to a final joyful flourish.

Schneewalzer – Traditional, arr. by Goff Richards – “Snow Waltz” – A joyful audience-participation Bavarian favourite, partly in English, partly in German — get ready to join the fun as we head towards the joint finale!

 

Joint Finale

Seal Lullaby – Eric Whitacre – A serene and atmospheric piece with gentle, wave-like lines and a magical accompaniment, this piece will be a joy to sing together with the Lyrical Songbirds.

When a Child Is Born – arr. by Alan Simmons – A tender Christmas classic hinting at the Nativity story, featuring a spoken middle section by Baritone Terry Joyce, with the Songbirds humming beneath.

 

Closing Thanks

Our warmest thanks go to everyone who made today’s concert possible, including John Heard from the church, our logistics team, and our wonderful hosts at the West Bridgford Methodist Church.

We thank soloists Robbie Jacques, Terry Joyce & Geoff Brooks.

We thank our wonderful guests – Adam Blakey (Clarinet) and of course the fabulous Lyrical Songbirds choir and music team whom it is always a joy to perform with – check them out on Facebook.

We’re delighted you could join us — whether alone, with family, or with friends — and we hope the intimate setting and evocative music have brought you a memorable evening of celebration, reflection, and joy, readying you for Christmas. Thank you all!

Our final two Christmas concerts this season are already sold out, but we would love to see you again next year! Sign up to our free newsletter to find out more here.

 

Our ethos:

The choir is registered charity No. 516024

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CONCERT REPERTOIRE 2025

We perform a wide a varied repertoire to cover the equally wide and varied concert requirement from a festival hall to a beer festival:

AFRICAN TRILOGY – feel the rhythms and energy of a three song medley of South African music arranged by Gwyn Arch sung with gusto and passion – Siyahamba – Shosholoza – National anthem of South Africa. One of our tenor soloists (Geoff Brooks or Ian Wood) leads the choir on this piece.

ALWAY SOMETHING SINGS – A challenging contemporary classical piece by American Composer Dan Forrest stating that not only in the old or young, fair or foul but in everything around us something is always singing! Featuring a beautiful ‘antiphonal’ part sung by the soloist from a different area within the performance space when possible. One of two pieces sung by this brilliant composer.

ALWAYS LOOK ON THE BRIGHT SIDE OF LIFE – Words and music by Python and comedian Eric Idle, arranged for male voices by Mac Huff. This brilliant piece of genius by Idle works fabulously in concerts both formal and informal and shows we can let our hair down. Our soloists act out the parts beautifully and with its singalong and whistle along chorus which is sure to bring a smile to your face!

ALWAYS ON MY MIND – a lower voice version of a brilliant well known love song first recorded by Brenda Lee in 1972 but made famous by Elvis Presley in 1972 and Willie Nelson in 1982. This song crosses the genres having charted in both Country and Western and pop hot parades.

AND CAN IT BE? – a fabulous piece of music written by American composer Dan Forrest using Charles Wesley’s famous hymn lyrics. The lyrics are usually sung to the lively and loud hymn tune Sagina but here, Dan Forrest quietens down the sentiment and removes the homophonic element to bring a new sense of awe to Wesley’s words asking if it can be that one should gain from sacrifice. This piece with our MD’s rubato interpretation has become a firm favourite of CMVC and is sung regularly in concerts where it has both impressed and even brought audience members to tears with its immense passion.

BEATI MORTUI – 55 bars of beautifully constructed music sung “Andante Sostenuto”, a cappella, written in the romantic era for male voices by Felix Mendelssohn (Opus 115 – No.1). Lyrics are in Latin: Beati mortui in Domino morientes deinceps. Dicit enim spiritus, ut requiescant a laboribus suis et opera illorum sequentuur ipsos. Translated as: Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: “Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them”. The piece was written as a pair of pieces with Periti Autem (See below).

BELLA CIAO – “Goodbye Beautiful”. Fast becoming a favourite of the choir as we pull together this fun piece sung in Italian, cleverly suggested to the choir by new bass Carl Nixon. The piece, which is in a bouncy 2/4 time and in the key of F Minor was dedicated to the Italian Resistance who fought against the German occupation in WWII, it was however based upon a folk song originally sung by female workers in the paddy fields in protest of their poor working conditions. The song has stood the test of time and could be heard sung between people over their balconies in Italy as a statement of solidarity during the recent Covid 19 lockdown period. Expect to see a solo clarinetist perform on occasion.

BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY – Carlton MVC were the first male choir to sing this arrangement of Freddie Mercury’s brilliant operatic hit song from Queen’s 1975 album ‘A Night at the Opera”. The choir enjoy performing this and bring alive the theatrics of this piece with its immense dynamics and surprising introduction. A wonderful song that fits brilliantly into any set list.

BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED WATER – The genius that is Paul Simon shines through our rendition of this brilliant ballad with it’s gospel piano accompaniment and gorgeous harmonies. Arranged for MVC by Alan Simmons.

DIVINE BRAMAH – a stirring operatic chorus piece by Georges Bizet from the opera The Pearl Fishers which opens any concert with a bang.

GOOD NIGHT DEAR HEART –  From the notes of the composer Dan Forrest which say everything: A few years ago, my brother and his wife found out that the four month old girl that they were soon to adopt from Ethiopia had fallen ill and passed away. They had been making plans for her, staring endlessly at her picture, and loving her from across the ocean, so the news was devastating. God’s plans were not for her to ever see the people who had loved her from halfway around the world, but for her to be taken instead to His loving arms. For me, life circumstances (whether euphoric or tragic) don’t usually translate into musical inspiration; the two typically remain separate. The night they received this news, though, I found myself longing to pour out a musical elegy. My search for a suitable text led me to a picture from a cemetery in my hometown (Elmira, NY), where the great American author Mark Twain and his family are buried. My brother and I, from our youth, have known the poem that Twain placed on the tombstone of his beloved daughter Susy, when she died unexpectedly at age 24 and left him heartbroken. I was stunned by the bittersweet irony of this text being from our hometown, and in honor of a beloved daughter who died unexpectedly. I wrote this setting that night; it was quickly added to an upcoming concert and premiered only one week later, as an elegy for Etsegenet and a reminder of the orphans of Ethiopia.

GWAHODDIAD – a well known piece by Lewis Hartsough arranged by John Tudor Davies for Male Voice Choirs, the piece is a real beauty with lyrics that say ‘I am coming’ and to wash me in Thy blood as I enter your kingdom.

GWINLLAN A RODDWYD (THIS LAND OF MINE) – a rousing piece of  patriotic music for the choir composed by Caradog Williams. The piece raises the call for protecting your own land in order to pass onto future generations and is highly rousing and staring. A slight nod to the Welsh origins of this piece is presented antiphonally in Welsh during the opening and mid point as solos by Nicholson Dye, but the choir performs the piece in English.

HAPPY – ‘It might seem crazy what I’m about to say’…an upbeat and positive piece of all out pop by Pharrell Williams and released as a sound track single from the fabulous film ‘Despicable Me 2’ in 2013.

HEART OF GOLD – this piece for the choir written by Neil Young has quickly become a favourite for the singers and audiences with its catchy refrain and mid sections that show off the choirs vowel tone production, it is also an afterparty favourite.

HELP ME RHONDA – this bouncy piece written by Beach Boys Brain Wilson and Mike Love as an attempt to fend off the British Musical Invasion can lift any concert with thoughts of the summer and perhaps even surfing for those more daring!

I GET AROUND – a bouncy early Beach Boys classic penned by Brian Wilson and Mike Love which includes handclaps from the choir, some mock American accents and a short and sharp impact ending – make sure you bring your surfboard to the concerts!

IN FLANDERS FIELDS – A beautiful and stirring piece written by local composer and friend of Carlton Male Voice Choir Robert Steadman around the famous poem of Remembrance. Each musical phrase brings the words alive in such a moving way. The piece was sung by our choir in years gone by at the Menin Gate in Ypres, we resurrected it in 2025 for our new audiences to enjoy.

I SWEAR – The choir go all ‘boy band’ with a version of this hit for the American artists All-4-One. Expect to see some indications of this songs boy band links, but fun aside, what a lovely piece of music!

IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU – A modern song from the band McFly where the choir sing this all out unapologetic and upbeat love song with syncopated rhythms.

I WILL BE A CHILD OF PEACE – a beautiful arrangement of a gorgeous old Shaker Song by Elaine Hagenberg, this beautiful melody with its unusual metre was chosen due to a future performance with Northampton Male Voice Choir. When we learnt that they would be taking on this piece we decided to join them and learn it too. We performed the piece together when the two choirs met.

JAMIE’S ON THE STORMY SEA – a beautiful folk song that tells of the maiden waiting for Jamie to return from the sea. Arranged by Matthew P. Jones for Peterborough Male Voice Choir and inspired again by Northampton Male Voice Choir’s performance.

LET IT BE ME – a standard for the choir, often brought out to entertain in concerts and often sung in the pub afterwards! This French lullaby was written by Gilbert Becaud and made famous by The Everley Brothers in 1957.

LET ME LISTEN – Written by Dan Forrest as a statement of support and ally ship with BIPOC (Black and Indigenous People Of Colour). We are often too full of our own path to stop and listen to the needs of others, failing to hear someone else’s viewpoint who may be different in some way to ourselves. We believe that this outstanding piece captures the essence of the changing face of our lower voice choir as we quickly diversify and support each other whatever our culture, sexuality, disabilities or needs. An immediate hit with the choir from its first sing through and we are sure you will love it too.

MAKE YOU FEEL MY LOVE – Words and Music by the legendary Bob Dylan, this beautiful arrangement by Ian Assersohn delivers its melody via the Second Tenors.

MOONLIGHT SONATA (ODE TO THE FATHER) – Our Musical Director performed many times as a live musician with the composer/arranger of this piece of music. Matt Williams has taken Beethoven’s classic sonata and set it against two melodies, one which follows the well known melody of the piece and a brand new counter melody. Matt, with little experience in scoring used the talents of another local composer and choir friend David Machell to translate his musical visions into musical score that the choir can sing from. This piece will be amazing when taken on later in 2025.

MORTE CRISTE – Carlton MVC love performing this well known male voice piece written specifically for lower voices by Emrys Jones to Issac Watts’ infamous lyrics of the passion tide ‘When I Survey The Wondrous Cross’.

O LOVE – a piece which has quickly become a choir favourite, written by the American composer Elaine Hagenburg around the George Matherson lyrics to the hymn O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go. The lingering dissonance reminds us of past heartache however the promise remains: “morn shall tearless be”.

OUR HOUSE – A rare choir piece that features our bass section, enjoy the relaxed melody of the song from Graham Nash with its lazy tongue in cheek ‘la la la’ middle section.

PERITI AUTEM – 71 bars of beautifully constructed music sung “Allegro Vivace”, a cappella, written in the romantic era for male voices by Felix Mendelssohn (Opus 115 – No.2). Lyrics are in Latin: Periti autem fulgebunt ut fulgor aethereus. Quique multos reddiderunt justos erunt stellarum similes, in omnem aeternitatem. Translated to English from (King James Bible; Daniel 12:3) as: And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever. The piece was written as a pair of pieces with Beati Mortui (See above).

RHYTHM OF LIFE – inspired by singing the piece live when standing in with Sandiacre Male Voice Choir our MD chose this piece for Carlton feeling that we can give it something new and exciting in our approach. This version of the 1966 Broadway song from Sweet Charity is arranged by Richard Barnes and is ultra-quick in its vocal delivery and a powerful ending. The piece also features dual piano accompaniment when the opportunity is available.

SEAL LULLABY – a beautiful but challenging contemporary choral piece by Eric Whitacre that sounds of waves rolling. A quiet and understated choral delivery allows the beautiful accompaniment to play its part magically.

SOUND THE TRUMPET – completed in 1694 by Purcell for the aria ‘Come Ye Sons, Art Away’, arranged here for 4-part male chorus by E. Markham Lee in this rousing piece composed as an offering to Queen Mary on her birthday. A wonderfully enjoyable piece to perform live.

SPEED YOUR JOURNEY (CHORUS OF THE HEBREW SLAVES) – this impressive piece by Giuseppe Verdi from the Opera ‘Nabucco’ highlights the ability of Carlton Male Voice Choir to deliver a song in style. Its opening piano section sets the scene for choral wonder that follows as the choir gently sings the chorus of the slaves as it gradually and steadily rises to its glorious climax as they ask for courage, the piece finally dying away to a whisper as the slaves ‘endure to the last’.

SURE ON THIS SHINING NIGHT – a stunning work composed by Morten Lauridsen arranged in this instance for TTBB lower voices. The music is written around a poem by James Agee which is written from the perspective of an older man walking outside on a summer night, reflecting back on his life. This reflection at the end of the man’s life encompasses the idea that even through the darkest times in life there is still kindness in the world. This piece is one of the composer’s most famous choral works which is sure to be an audience pleaser and a choir favourite.

THE AWAKENING – This outstanding piece of high quality choral music was composed by Joseph Martin for the 20th anniversary of TCDA (Texas Choral Directors Association). It was written to celebrate a “journey back to joy” following a harrowing and awful personal experience for the composer. It is composed in 3 sections all of which take the singer and the listener on this journey in a relatable way. The piece was introduced to us by the talented Stephen Bell (Musical Director of the Northampton Male Voice Choir) and our MD Ian was immediately captivated by the piece with an immediate and clear knowledge of how it would translate under his own choral direction.

THE FINNISH FOREST – the return to our repertoire of a wonderful piece with a challenging accompaniment and vocal lines written by Bryan Davies an accompanist and arranger from Ferndale, Rhondda. The title translates in Finnish to Suomen Salossa with its joyous and carefree chorus of ‘Hoilaari, Laa’.

THE FISHERMEN OF ENGLAND – the choice to include this folk song was inspired by a new member of the choir Rich Wisker. Rich has a fabulously diverse love of different types of music and a deep love of folk. Numerous conversations on the subject prompted the hunt for some folk music from deep in the choir’s library and this piece popped up. It has an amazingly difficult accompaniment part and provides a full out, relentless choral belt of a sing.

THE KING OF LOVE MY SHEPHERD IS – the hymn tune ‘St Columbia’ is arranged by Mack Wilburg with the Christian religious hymn text by Henry Baker (1821-1877) that contemplates the good care given to us and the acknowledgement that we do not deserve this kindness. A solo part sung by Terrance Poon or Terry Gray enhances the beauty of this piece as its simplicity develops over the harp like accompaniment.

THE SLOOP JOHN B – a traditional Bahamas Folk Song with a calypso feel made famous by the Beach Boys on their smash album Pet Sounds. The song is based around the traditional story of a ship called the Sloop John B and describes the goings on aboard with various crew members and the need to go home! This piece can also be performed a cappella at the pub.

THEY CAN’T TAKE THAT AWAY FROM ME – the choir takes on a bit of swung jazz with this new piece from Ira and George Gershwin. Feel the intimacy of the jazz clubs as the choir sings the song about the memory of a one night stand! Includes some incredible brass like sforzandos and even has well timed movement from the choir as they swing.

THE LONG DAY CLOSES – NOT YET INTRODUCED – as part of our repertoire choice we enjoy delving back into our gigantic musical library to find pieces that will again challenge the choir as we find ourselves in 2025. This piece was written back in 1868 to lyrics by Henry Fothergill Chorley and set to music by Arthur Sullivan and WOW, can you tell! It is so typical of his wonderful Victorian style! The song was taken up by choirs as what was known back then as a ‘part song’; pieces sung in block harmony, with the highest part carrying the melody, rather than contrapuntal form such as a madrigal which was very popular at the time. The lyrics form a meditation on Death and the song was used in the 1992 British film of the same title.

TWO FOLK SONGS FOR MALE VOICES – John Rutter, the contemporary classical and choral composer arranges these two very different old English folk songs specifically for lower voices. The first piece is DOWN BY THE SALLY GARDENS which tells the story of lovers walking under the willow trees, the man takes things too quickly upsetting his love interest. The second piece is THE MILLER OF DEE and takes the form of a story about a miller told from the perspective of a group of young men who are enjoying a drink together. The piece has sublime accompaniment so it’s no wonder it was introduced to the choir by our Principle Accompanist.

VIVA LA VIDA – the Coldplay classic hit sung ala Male Voice Choir; a brand new piece for Carlton learnt during 2022 for the 70th anniversary of our friends at Bestwood Male Voice Choir, with its rousing chorus, syncopated rhythms and singalong final chorus which draws to a gentle conclusion. The piece works well as a concert opener or encore.

WIDE OPEN SPACES – this piece by Canadian composer Sarah Quartel reflects on life’s adventures within us and around us and includes elements of the major blues scale where both the major and minor 3rd are employed. A unison melody opens up into rich harmony.

WIE SCHON BIST DU – a beautiful piece for male voices from the Romantic era by Schubert sung a cappella in German with the translation ‘how beautiful you are’.

WOODEN HEART – a fabulous concert opener, the choir enjoy walking through and amongst the audience as they perform this Elvis classic arranged by Alwyn Humphreys. The song, based upon a German Folk tune was performed by Elvis Presley in the 1960 film ‘G.I. Blues’.

YOU DO NOT WALK ALONE – an excellent piece written by a favourite composer of the choir Elaine Hagenburg. This Irish Blessing with its Celtic feel and influences was chosen carefully by Carlton Male Voice to support its fast changing face of diversity and the support required within the choir for others as we work as one. Its melody ascends and descends over the Irish hillsides as the voices gradually build and swell together. The piece contains a stunning key change from E major to F Major and it is delivered in an amazing way. To us the piece offered comfort in a time of uncertainty in the form of a gentle singing lark and reminds us that we can endure change and hard times together.

YOU’LL NEVER WALK ALONE – the most famous Rodgers and Hammerstein song from the show ‘Carousel’ made even more famous by Mersey Beat Liverpudlians ‘Gerry and the Pacemakers’ in the 1960’s. Our version features a baritone solo by Steve Musgrove or David Newshome backed by the choir and is arranged by Alwyn Humphreys.

CHRISTMAS REPERTOIRE

A BABE WAS BORN – A lovely locally written piece.

A MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS – is a medley of delightful Christmas favourites arranged for lower voices with intricacy around a stunning accompaniment. We hear the choir sing Jingle Bells with intense dynamics into a smooth Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas into Winter Wonderland, Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! over White Christmas, finally returning to a briskly paced Jingle Bells in waltz time to finish off. See if you can spot the hint of O Come All Ye Faithful and Deck the Hall within the piano accompaniment too!

ANGELS WE HAVE HEARD ON HIGH – with a long Gloria!

BOARS HEAD CAROL – A traditional piece performed in 4 part harmony.

CAROL OF THE DRUM – A song about a drummer boy who joined the procession to Bethlehem.

CHRIST CHILD IN THE MANGER – a piece by Kenneth Rothery, adapted by Malcolm Fairless for four part lower voices. This piece brings us directly to the nativity scene of the Christ Child in a place where he could ‘lay his head’ when no other place was available, surrounded by angels who sing of ‘peace on earth’. The song surmises that at this time nobody could have guessed the importance of this baby. The song features Carlton MVC’s basses as they plod playfully like a double bass through the final verse.

DECK THE HALL – our rendition of this traditional welsh carol works equally well opening a set as it does closing it. Its rising bright and quick piano introduction allows the choir to literally burst into song as it enters and sings out the lovely Christmas call ‘Fa la la la la!” as the piano runs away beneath us with gusto. A woozy middle section with a key change brings the pace down for a short while before arranger Alan Simmons changes the key once more into the final rousing chorus.

DO YOU HEAR WHAT I HEAR? – A beautiful Christmas piece with answering phrases.

FANFARE FOR CHRISTMAS DAY – this very short little fanfare is bright and harmonic welcoming in the season. It was written by the English Cockney composer Martin Shaw OBE (1875-1935). Martin Studied under Charles Villers Stamford and is the uncle of Sebastian Shaw who played the unmasked Darth Vader in Return of the Jedi! The piece was written in 1922 but first published in 1928 as one of over 300 works from this prolific composer.

GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN – an outstanding piece which is tricky in nature to carry off.

LET THERE BE PEACE ON EARTH – a cracking piece wishing for an ideal world.

MARY’S BOY CHILD – the Bonny M classic arranged for choir. This version highlights the vocal talents of a soloist with the choir humming gently underneath and then answering in a vocal swell.

MASTERS IN THIS HALL – a lesser known but majestic carol. The carol was written around 1860 by the French composer Marin Marais and formed part of his opera ‘Alcyone’ a story based upon Greek Mythology. English lyrics were written independently but around the same time as the music by the English poet William Morris (pictured) and are said to be sixteenth century in feel; bringing warning to “the proud” of news brought from over the seas that Christ was born and that nobody should be sad on Christmas Day or the proud will be “cast a-down”.

MISTLETOE & WINE – a bit of Cliff Richard.

O COME, EMMANUEL – a gorgeous piece composed by Elaine Hagenberg that is wonderfully etherial and chant like. Based around the famous Advent Hymn: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.

O HOLY NIGHT! – the UK’s most favoured Christmas carol ever, sung delightfully by our own tenor Terry Grey with understudy Andrew Moffatt standing by. This arrangement is to be savoured and not rushed and the power of the choir must be impactful and astounding when the lyrics demand but yet diminishing to a whisper when we hear the words ‘Christ is born’. The power of this piece is accentuated superbly when sung by lower voices.

QUEM PASTORES – the famous melody in 3/4 is decorated with lovely piano accompaniment and a beautiful and soft choral delivery of the lyrics “Shepherds worship and adore him, lay their humble gifts before him”.

RISE UP SHEPHERD AND FOLLER – this little spiritual in the Dorian Mode is underlaid by the baritones and basses rising up and down in thirds whilst our tenors provide the traditional melody. It tracks the shepherds as they are encouraged by the angels to follow or ‘folder’ the star in the East, the choir (of course) takes the voice of the angels.

SAVIOUR’S DAY – a bit more of Cliff Richard

SCHNEEWALZER – a romp of a piece where the audience have as much involvement as the choir.

SEE AMID THE WINTER’S SNOW – A traditional carol performed ala male voice choir.

SILVER BELLS – a song composed by  Jay Livingston and Ray Evans and made famous by Bing Crosby and Dean Martin, the song is in four parts and imitates the muffled bell across the choir.

SUSSEX CAROL (ON CHRISTMAS NIGHT) – a joyful 6/8 traditional carol in the feel of two beats, the lyrics describes Christians singing on the news of the holy birth. This piece employs a beautifully flowing accompaniment of fast right hand movement over chords and verse 3 counterpoints two melodies and lyrics together with sheer delight.

TE LAUDAMUS – the story of Joseph and Mary travelling to Bethlehem.

THE CHRISTMAS SONG (CHESTNUTS ROASTING ON AN OPEN FIRE)

THE STAR CAROL – A wonderful piece to perform at the Christmas season.

THE VERY BEST TIME OF YEAR – a relaxed, smooth piece with luscious and intricate harmonies by John Rutter (arranged by Alwyn Humphreys) who is synonymous for his Christmas repertoire. The song sets the visual scenes that make up this ‘very best’ time of year – Christmas!

WHEN A CHILD IS BORN – Alan Simmons’ arrangement of this famous Christmas song by Zacar/Fred Jay provides the wonder of the season although it never mentions the baby Jesus it hints massively at the story of Christmas.

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