ENROL – EXPERIENCE – ENJOY
Carlton Male Voice Choir is an outstanding choir of lower voices led by Musical Director Ian Watts producing quality, entertaining performances of all types. We are committed to ensuring everyone can access our performances and feel included. Our performances range from festivals and car shows to concert halls, parks and public spaces to Minsters and Cathedrals often for deserving charity causes and sometimes with guests choirs and artists. We are not affiliated with any religious organisation.
The choir performs a large and varied ‘progressive’ repertoire carefully selected to suit a wide variety of tastes to satisfy our flexible concert performance requirement. We can do this well, both formally and informally when required, we don’t wear blazers, but instead perform in modern cut suits. We are not a religious affiliated organisation and is ‘secular’ although we do sing some religious pieces of music. The choir renews its repertoire constantly with new and exciting music for lower voices, rejuvenating and improving its sound. Of course, as a male voice choir we traditionally sing the odd hymn, but we endeavour to remain absolutely relevant and our current repertoire, which can be seen below, contains all types of music from classical to jazz, pop to opera, we also commission our very own music by local composers; you can see we are certainly not just hymns singers! We were recently described as “the future of male voice singing”, see our review page to see what other think of the choir.
We perform around 25 times per year in the Nottinghamshire region including two main concerts; one at Nottingham’s fine classical venue The Albert Hall and another at Christmas. Additionally, the choir tours each year visiting places all across Europe and the UK. We host visiting choirs to Nottingham including the world famous Treorchy Male Choir in 2022 and promote other guest artists. The choir is a registered charity itself (No. 516024) and often performs for excellent charitable causes, it is well supported by our Choir Support Group and sponsors and holds its very own Music Competition “The Music Makers” promoting exceptional young musical talent from the East Midlands area.
The choir has a strong and energetic elected committee that manages its day-to-day workings and a passionate, robust and capable Music Team including Musical Director Ian Watts, Assistant Musical Director Andrew Atkinson, Principal Accompanist Roger Holland and Deputy Accompanists Anne Hall and John Sellers.
We are committed to being equally open to all with a lower voice register and endeavour to treat everyone equally. With a membership of around 70 singings of all ages from teens upwards the choir attracts new members regularly, safeguarding its future as the current custodians of the choir and ensuring its ongoing longevity as a priority. The choir has four sections: First Tenor, Second Tenor, Baritone and Bass (TTBB). All members are auditioned after a period of time with the choir and will have the opportunity to expand their musical knowledge and develop their voice.
We pride ourselves on performing at a high quality level consistently, continually challenging our own standards with professional management that embrace change, being supportive and inclusive to singers from all walks of life and backgrounds whilst thriving on a solid social culture. Our choristers are continually offered individual music development be it individual musical theory improvement or voice training. This choir is about having fun, enjoying our singing, growing in confidence and improving ourselves individually both in our learning of new musical skills and the challenging of our performance abilities.
The choir is proud to be one of the only choirs in the region with an official record deal. It has a number of albums on sale on digital streaming platforms and one of our recordings reached number 67 in the iTunes digital charts! We also often appear live and recorded on local media channels.
Please visit our Join Us Information Page to join our wonderful choir and be part of something very special.
The choir is registered charity No. 516024
CONCERT REPERTOIRE 2022-2023
ABERYSTWYTH – a stunning arrangement of Joseph Parry’s beautiful tune with lyrics by Charles Wesley, arranged for lower voices by Alwyn Humphreys. The piece is in the key of G Minor and is incredibly powerful with its luscious phrasing and intense dynamics.
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 soloist leads the choir.
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!
AN AMERICAN TRILOGY – a traditional American Civil War trilogy of songs Dixie, Battle Hymn of the Republic and All my Trials made famous by Elvis Presley in 1971. A well know Male Voice arrangement by Alwyn Humphreys that is always a joy to sing as a choir or with other MV Choirs.
AND CAN IT BE? – a fabulous new piece of music written by American composer Dan Forrest using Charles Wesleys 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 Wesleys 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.
AVE VERUM CORPUS – A challenging piece for male voice based upon the latin words of the rite of communion meaning ‘Hail True Body’. This version of these famous latin words is by the early composer William Byrd, arranged for lower voices by Hilda Morgan.
BLACKBIRD – A 2 part lower voice arrangement of Sir Paul McCartneys 1968 Beatle song from The White Album. The song was inspired by racial problems in the USA in the mid 60’s, particularly around the troubles shown on the news which was watched by a young McCartney of two girls being taunted on their way to school, the writer met the two girls now in their latter years many years later. A simple, but extraordinary piece of music which works perfectly for our wonderful choir.
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.
CHATTANOOGA CHOO CHOO – A choral setting of the 40’s Glenn Miller No 1 gold disk hit which traces the journey of the Birmingham Special train otherwise known as the Chattanooga Choo Choo from New York via Carolina to Chattanooga in Tennessee. Our take on the arrangement feature various effect to take you onto that train! The lyrics have also been modified for a modern world.
CWM RHONDDA – the tune to a famous Welsh hymn ‘Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah who’s name means ‘Rhondda Valley’. Perfomed with English words by William Williams and music by John Hughes written to consecrate the pipe organ in a little chapel in Hopkinstown in the Rhondda Valleys. We hope that our choir does this massive piece justice and we even add a little bit of Welsh lyric as a nod towards the end!
DEEP HARMONY – this little hymn written by Handel Parker has long become Carlton’s warm up anthem but rarely makes it into a concert.
EVENSONG – a brand new commissioned piece composed specifically for our accompanist Roger Holland and Carlton MVC in 2022 by local composer David Machell. The piece features the accompanist as well as the choir! The story is – “on a hot summer’s evening in a part of Nottinghamshire, every window is open to catch a passing breeze. In a back room, a pianist is practicing for an up and coming piano concerto. Not too far away, a choir is rehearsing for evensong. Different as their musical styles are, the two sounds seem to blend in the hot night air, taking the inhabitants on an unexpected journey of meditation and calm”. The piece the choir are singing is the hymn tune St Clement to the hymn The Day Thou Gavest Lord Has Ended and inspired by the recent visit of Treorchy Male Choir.
FROM FAR ACROSS THE SHRINE – The duet from The Pearl Fishers’ Opera by Bizet, this massive operatic piece is sure to thrill with its duet of brothers leading the choir chorus. The piece revolves around the love triangle of Zurga who is the leader of the fishing village, his old friend Nadir and the priestess Liela. During the piece they pledge to never let their friendship be threatened again. Our soloists for this piece range from Geoff Brooks and Colin Baird to John Sellers and John Duffy.
GASTON – This piece from the contemporary Disney film and show Beauty and the Beast celebrates the villain of the story – Gaston – a French beef cake of a man who everyone is inspired to aspire to, with antlers in his decorating and who has biceps to spare. The song is intended to be tongue in cheek and poke fun at our burley villain. The piece includes various soloists and is immensely fun to perform with our comedic approach.
GOOD VIBRATIONS – This mid 60’s hit song from the summer of love by Brian Wilson and Mike Love of The Beach Boys lends itself wonderfully to male voice singing although it is incredibly difficult to perform and feature lots of falsetto tenor range singing.
GWAHODDIAD – a 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 to future generations and is highly rousing and staring. A slight nod to the Welsh origins of this pieces is presented antiphonally in Welsh during the opening as a solo, but then the choir performs the piece in English.
HEART OF GOLD – this new 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.
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!
HOMEWARD BOUND – This serene folk/gospel-like tune opens and closes with two soloists and features the choir singing ‘ppp’ – extremely quiet and whisper like and talks about someone bound to the plough and pasture dreaming of returning to their love again.
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 MY ROOM – A beautiful barbershop style a cappella close harmony piece by Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys hinting at issues the composer was about to face in successive years after composing this. He describes the dark room where he can go when his worries and cares become too much and where he can tell his secrets.
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. It is hoped that we can perform the piece together when the two choirs meet.
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.
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’.
NESSUN DORMA – Puccinis’ massive piece from the opera Tourandot will lift your spirits when sung part Italian, part English by the choir.
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.
PERFECT – a piece perfect for a wedding written by the great Ed Sheehan, sung a cappella by the choir in its 6/8 timing and celebrates finding the perfect partner in love.
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 it’s vocal delivery and a powerful ending. The piece also features dual piano accompaniment when the opportunity is available.
SEA SHANTIES MEDLEY – A brilliant medley of famous sea shanties sung in a relaxed and fun way with lots of choir soloists taking part throughout, feel the swell of the waves, experience the spray of the sea as the choir hauls ropes and sings tales of the ocean.
SHOW MEDLEY – an eclectic medley of songs from the shows and films all cleverly laced together by our music team. The songs which range from Any Dream Will Do to Oklahoma! are sung by various soloists and the full choir all neatly fitted together with some handy accompaniment taking us a tremendous journey through theatre and film scenes to remind us of the brilliance of the shows.
SING A SONG OF SIXPENCE – The famous nursery rhyme lyrics set to music unapologetically in the style of Handel by J. Michael Diack. The piece comes in two halves, a majestic (Hallelujah Chorus esque) opening which soon changes into the more playful Allegro section. Great fun to sing, great fun to listen to.
SKYFALL – The title of the main theme song from the James Bond film of the same name released in 2012 and written and performed by Adele and her composing partner Paul Epworth for the movie. Our version is arranged for lower voices by Dorian Kelly. The lyrics can be summed up as: when things go wrong we all should stand tall together.
SOMEONE LIKE YOU – written by the contemporary artist ‘Adele’ Adkins and Daniel Wilson this piece cleverly speaks about a love lost and looks from a distance at what they are doing now, exclaiming that they will find someone very similar to try to fill the gap.
SONG OF THE PHOENIX – a beautiful brand new commissioned piece for lower voices composed in late 2022 for Ian Watts and Carlton MVC by composer David Machell and charts the rise of the phoenix from the flames, much the same as the choir emerging renewed and invigorated from the pandemic!
SONNET 116 – A piece commissioned in 2022 specifically for our Musical Director and for the choir by local composer David Machell with lyrics from William Shakespeare’s beautiful love poem number 116. The piece is in 4 parts with some outstanding harmonies, severe dynamics and tricky modulations. The piece was composed to highlight the beauty of each of the four sections of Carlton Male Voice Choir and also involves various soloists.
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 sing the chorus of the slaves as it gradually and steadily rises to its glorious climax as they ask for courage, the piece finally dyeing 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 composers most famous choral works which is sure to be an audience pleaser and a choir favourite.
THE FLOWER THAT SHATTERED THE STONE – a contemporary piece made famous by John Denver. Our delivery features an opening top tenor solo followed by passionate four part harmony and outstanding dynamics.
THE ROSE – a standard for lower voice choirs, this beautiful song made famous by Bet Middler has been subtly modernised by our MD to keep it right up to date. A fabulous song to sing and perform with other choirs of lower and upper voices.
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.
THE WATER OF TYNE – a Roud folk song no. 1364 which hails from the North East of England, using typical slang from the area and talks about a relationship of love split apart by the Tyne river. Micheal Neaum has provided this lovely arrangement for TTBB lower Voices with celebrates the legato/smooth singing style with each part of the choir having an important part to play in the polyphony.
THE WONDER OF YOU – written by Baker Knight and arranged for MVC by Alwyn Humphreys this piece always works well for Carlton MVC. An Elvis Presley classic of course, which we like to dedicate to our partners!
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.
TOM JONES! – A threesome of hits from the big Welsh Man from Pontypridd; It’s not Unusual, Green Grass of Home and Delilah all strung together in one great big, fabulous and entertaining medley.
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 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.
WHAT WOULD I DO WITHOUT MY MUSIC? – A male voice choir favourite but sung with a difference! Carlton like to do this in the style of a ‘power ballad’ which to our ears brings this piece alive brilliantly. The song is often introduced live by Assistant MD Andrew Atkinson who tells us the importance of music in times of trouble by relaying a very personal story.
WHEN THE LOVE COMES TRICKLIN’ DOWN – A spiritual piece first seen in 1887 in a book of Jubilee and Plantation Songs arranged by Gwyn Arch based around the liturgical text “seek and ye shall find, knock and the door shall be opened, ask and it shall be given”.
WHEN THE SAINTS GO MARCHING IN – this traditional classic is treated to a high energy arrangement by Denys Hood and includes vocal tricks that are usually only heard by a big band. Plenty of syncopation for the choir in this arrangement and the false ending is sure to set any audience cheering.
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’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 backed by the choir and is arranged by Alwyn Humphreys.
CHRISTMAS REPERTOIRE 2022 (2023 to be announced)
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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