DVCA

THE FIRST OF THIS SEASON'S CONCERTS TOOK PLACE ON SATURDAY EVENING, 7 NOVEMBER 2009 at ST. BRIDE'S PARISH CHURCH


Doagh Village Community Association's "Autumn Concerts 2009" began on Saturday evening with a recital by the accomplished local soprano Melanie Johnston. Melanie was accompanied by Emma Gibbins, currently Director of Music at St George's Church in Belfast.

The capacity audience at St Bride's Parish Church in Doagh was treated to a captivating performance by Melanie, whose choice of songs was truly eclectic, offering something for everyone.

The first part of the recital comprised, amongst other pieces, some best loved works by Mozart, Schumann, Faure and Puccini. Whilst the second part was in an altogether lighter mood with contemporary songs from popular musicals by Gershwin and Kern, from the renowned Irish composers Parke and Nelson and finishing with songs from the ever popular Gilbert and Sullivan.

The audience, who were enthralled by the polished performance, were keenly smitten by the sheer personal joy Melanie exuded when she was singing. Both artists are obviously highly talented but more than that, their relaxed delivery of the music contributed all the more to what was a wonderful and unforgettable experience for those who attended.

The venue, the very beautiful parish church of St Bride's, created a warm and welcoming atmosphere which was felt by the appreciative audience to be another significant factor in what was a hugely successful evening.

Alderman Paul Girvan, addressing the audience, congratulated the Association for its hard work in providing such local events and in striving, often behind the scenes, to meet the needs of the local community.
DVCA The Chairman, Mr Leith Burgess, thanked the two artists, Melanie and Emma for agreeing to give the recital and conveyed the Association's sincere and grateful thanks to Rev Paul Redfern and the Select Vestry of St. Bride's for permitting the concert to be hosted there.
He also announced that another concert featuring local performers would be organised by the Association for February 2010. Final details and arrangements for this would be announced before Christmas. Photographs from the present concert would soon be posted in the Association's Blog http://dvca.blogspirit.com.

After the concert the audience had the opportunity to meet and chat with Melanie and Emma at an informal reception in the church hall where supper was provided by the Ladies Group from St Bride's.

The extracts below were recorded on very basic equipment but will give some flavour of the recital program:
Après un Rêve, by G.Fauré
Can’t Help Lovin’ Dat Man, by J.Kern
Du Ring an Meinem Finger, by R.Schumann