‘What the world needs now,’ the Foyle U3A Choir sang, ‘is love, sweet love,’ and the sentiment in Hal David’s lyrics were rarely more appropriate, given what’s happening in the world at present. The hit song, whose melody was composed by Burt Bacharach, was one of the highlights of the U3A Choir’s barnstorming performance at Christ Church, Derry’s ‘First Wednesday Recital’ on Wednesday 6th December 2023.
The monthly recital series is quickly establishing itself as a ‘must see’ fixture in the local cultural calendar. Today’s programme, during which the choir was directed by Jim Goodman and accompanied by Elizabeth Charlesson on the piano, thrilled its audience and was warmly applauded.
The concert-goers were addressed by Jim Kelley – one of the series’ organisers – who introduced the performers as “one of the best U3A choirs in the UK”. After that, it was ‘straight down to business’ with a programme that ranged from ‘O Little Town of Bethlehem’, through the Phantom of the Opera, to ‘Da Doo Ron Ron’.
The recital featured solo performances by Donald Hill, Pearl Stewart, Elaine Way and Dympna McGuckian (who was making her debut as a soloist).
The next event in the recital series will feature the gifted organist, Dr Derek Collins, at 1.10 pm on Wednesday 3rd January 2023.
