Diva to perform at choir’s 75th anniversary concert

The concert is being seen as something of a coup for the choir, which is using the opportunity to recruit new members.

Bass singer Stan Solomons, 78, who has been with the choir since 1986, said yesterday he hoped the musical event would help put the choir on the map.

Mr Solomons said: “It’s wonderful to have Lesley Garrett confirmed and booked. It will really put us on the map, so to speak. Unlike many of the singers doing the rounds these days, she was an actual opera star, so we are very proud to have her.

“The evening itself will see her interacting with the choir. There will be a lot of movement, a bit of comedy. Lesley will have two twenty-minute slots where she sings her own songs, but there will also be pieces from Les Miserables, West Side Story, Guys & Dolls and Verdi. This will be the first time she has appeared in Huddersfield. Everyone is really looking forward to it.”

He added: “One thing we are keen to do is to recruit more members, a lot of people have this notion they cannot sing but my motto has always been, if you can talk, you can sing and if you don’t know how, we will teach you.

“There’s a great social aspect to being in the choir. It helps improve confidence and there are all kinds of other events organised by the group, including a ladies’ night.

“Half the tickets have already sold but there’s still time to grab one if you’re quick.”

Lesley Garrett made a name for herself with English National Opera before going on to carve out her own recording career.

And during those three decades the user-friendly diva from Doncaster has garnered a name for herself as something of a trailblazer for opera and classical music.

The concert, marking the 75th anniversary of Honley Male Voice Choir, will take place at Huddersfield Town Hall on Saturday September 24, from 7pm.

Tickets cost between £15 and £30 and are on sale from Kirklees Tourist Information Offices on 01484 223200 or online from: www.kirklees.gov.uk/townhalls

For more information about the choir, contact Steve Hepworth on 01484 608963, or visit the choir’s website: www.honleymvc.co.uk