A Gala evening with Lesley Garrett

Wednesday, 29th September

(in aid of St. Botolph's Church (Boston), Restoration and Development Appeal)

Working with a soprano soloist can be, as any chorister will probably tell you, a little tricky. Simply because one never quite knows what to expect or how choir and soloist will work together. In Cantemus we have been fortunate to work with outstanding soloists, orchestras, accompanists and choirs in our time, but Lesley Garrett is world class. Therefore we knew we had to match up to her formidable reputation if we were to perform alongside her. As such, we were all rather nervous on a rainy Wednesday night in September when we had to perform opera, sacred music and songs from the shows with the Doncaster Diva herself in Boston's St Botolph's church.

Months of rehearsals and expectation had gripped Cantemus - some of us had even been sneaking off to rehearse in our breaks at work. Then, all of a sudden, this was it. No going back. 1200 people were coming to Boston in the wind and rain and we had better be good.

Upon meeting Lesley, it had been clear we were in for a treat. Cantemus had sung well in rehearsal, St Botolph's was bedecked in flowers and the stage was set. We seemed to gel with Lesley musically, as well as sharing a similar sense of humour. Eric was working well with her, we all were, and a smooth rehearsal left us feeling good.

Hopes were high, tickets were sold out, but we could not even then have imagined what a magical evening the actual concert would be. It was fantastic to see such a landmark church so full to the brim of expectant fans and supporters of Lesley, St Botolph's and of Cantemus too. But the real thrill was the music.

Lesley entertained and performed beautifully. The audience seemed spellbound by her as she filled the church with song. Handel and Bach to begin and then, just as we were thinking how lovely it all sounded, came our first big moment. Lesley's encouragement and demeanor helped us settle to an easy start; our first pieces together were thoroughly enjoyable. It was clear we could all afford to relax and just make the most of singing together. And so that is what we did. With TV cameras, reporters, a large audience and a widely varied programme to contend with, Cantemus knew the pressure was on. However, listening to Lesley sing filled us with confidence. We put heart, soul and vigour in to John Rutter's ‘Te Deum’ to leave St Botolph's ringing with choir and organ combined. It was clear by the interval that the audience was having a great time, and we were really enjoying the evening too.

The second half, with two frocks from Lesley, had several highlights. Our jazz re-working of Shakespeare, ‘Music to hear’ by George Shearing, was hugely enjoyable to sing and well received as was ‘The Rhythm of Life’. The end came all too soon and we joined forces with Lesley and her pianist, Andrew West again. I think we lifted the roof with ‘You'll Never Walk Alone’.

The reception (and three standing ovations) from the audience showed just how much they had enjoyed the concert.  It truly was 'some enchanted evening' for all involved and it is hoped that the evening helps St Botolph's appeal go from strength to strength.

Nothing tricky about working with this soprano then! Even a leaky church roof could not stop us having a wonderful gala evening with Lesley Garrett. Out we went in to the rain, with a spring in our step. We had sung well, and the audience had clearly loved the performance. “See!” we told ourselves “There was nothing to worry about.”

Cath Yates