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NEWS
Malvern Male Voice Choir - a review of the recent concert 'Land of Song' held on 1st March 2025 at Malvern Cube. Written by Brian Owen - 27th March 2025
Article taken from: Malvern Observer website, 2nd June 2023: Malvern Male Voice Choir concert raised £256 for two good causes - The Malvern Observer
A RECENT charity concert by the Malvern Male Voice Choir has seen £256 raised for two charities. The recipients were the Malvern Foodbank and the Citizens Advice Bureau.
The much-needed finds were awarded by president Paul Whittaker an treasurer Graham Purcocks and MD Charles Pavey at one of the group’s rehearsals. Following the presentation, representatives from both charities gave a short talk on how the cash would be used.
There was then a special performance of the choir’s favourite ‘What Would I do Without My Music’ – an aptly named moving piece that extols the power of music to strengthen and heal.
Both charities thanked the choir for their hard work in providing them with funds that would make a real difference. Both causes had been really stretched as the cost-of-living crisis affects more and more individuals and families.
Malvern Male Voice Choir concert raised £256 for two good causes - 2nd June 2023
The Malvern Male Voice Choir, under the expert direction of conductor Charles Pavey, is nothing short of a musical gem. This remarkable ensemble, which traces its roots back to a humble male quartet in Malvern Wells in 1922, has grown into a powerhouse of 30 talented singers. Despite interruptions due to World War II and the COVID pandemic, the Choir has consistently graced audiences with its presence, performing year after year with undiminished passion and dedication.
The Choir's rich history is matched only by the breadth of its performances. From intimate venues to grand stages, their sound is a symphony of impressive, beautiful, and often mysterious tones that captivate and inspire. Their collaborations with other choirs and musical groups are a testament to their versatility and commitment to fostering a living tradition of choral excellence.
One of the Choir’s most admirable qualities is its dedication to charity, often lending their voices to support both local and national causes. This altruistic spirit not only enriches the community but also adds a layer of profound meaning to their performances.
For those interested in the numerous health benefits of singing, the Malvern Male Voice Choir offers an open invitation. Singing in a choir is proven to reduce blood pressure and stress, improve mental wellbeing, foster connections with others, and enhance self-esteem. Remarkably, the Choir welcomes individuals of all singing abilities without the pressure of auditions or the necessity of reading music.
Rehearsals are held every Monday at 7.15pm at Holy Trinity Church, Link Top, Malvern, are a haven of camaraderie and enjoyment.
The Choir’s recent programme was a splendid showcase of their range and talent. Highlights included stirring renditions of “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” by Elton John, the timeless Welsh hymn “Calon Lan,” and an evocative reading from Dylan Thomas’ “Under Milk Wood.” while the Choir's renditions of popular favourites like “Angels” by Robbie Williams and a medley of Lennon and McCartney hits were crowd-pleasers.
Special mention must be made of their engaging poetry readings and the delightful “Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines,” which had the audience thoroughly entertained. The Choir’s ability to seamlessly blend humour, emotion, and musicality is a testament to their exceptional talent and hard work.
In addition to this tremendous choir the audience were treated to the magical Violin playing of English Symphony Orchestra’s Zoe Davies who marvellously played the music of Dvorak, Elgar, Danela and fiendishly difficult pieces by Fritz Kreisler.
Special thanks should go to the evenings fantastic Compere Tarquin Shaw-Young and pianist James Godfrey. Whether you are looking to experience the magic of their performances or considering joining this incredible group, the Malvern Male Voice Choir is a treasure of the Malvern Community. For more information on booking or membership, potential patrons and aspiring singers are encouraged to reach out to Graham Purcocks or David Toye.
In summary, the Malvern Male Voice Choir continues to enchant, inspire, and uplift, making it a true beacon of musical excellence in the region. This fact being recognised by the large audience of Malvern Cube
Male Voice Choir Concert Boosts Funds for Cancer Research - 18th April 2023
On Saturday 25th March, Malvern Male Voice Choir combined voices with the Chase School Choir in a concert called 'Come On & Hear'. The performance took place at the Big School Malvern College, in front of a capacity audience.
The audience were treated to a brilliant musical programme of songs from the traditional to modern with stand out solos from Graham Purcocks and united performances from both choirs.
The Musical Director Charles Pavey said ,'I was delighted with the evening and the venue was acoustically magnificent, as were the choirs. A Spokesman for Cancer Research said 'Once again the Malvern Male Voice Choir continue to entertain us and raise much needed funds for Cancer Research UK and we applaud their dedication to our cause.'
The concert raised just under £1000 for the charity. The choir will be back in action with two more concerts this summer on 13th May Christchurch Church Avenue Road Malvern 7.00pm and 17th June Holy Trinity Church Malvern'
Commemoration for Armistice - 13th Nov 2022
At The Church of the Ascension, the evening entitled 'Goin' Home' was a tremendous success with a capacity crowd and standing room only - alongside the Act of Remembrance - War Poetry and readings complimented a full repertoire of songs.
The evening was backed up with a moving film called 'Bring Him Home' specially produced for The Choir in remembrance of all the members of the Choir who served in WW1 & 2 featuring a haunting rendition of 'Bring Him Home' recorded earlier in the week in the Church.
The film can be watched here https://youtu.be/H6vbzL68CCc.
The Choir now move to their Christmas Programme and can be seen:
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10th December Morrisons Malvern Retail Park 11.00am
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10th December Bluebell Inn Guarlford Road 12.30pm
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17th December Holy Trinity Church Malvern 2.30pm
A Capacity Audience in Cabaret Setting - 22nd Oct 2022
A capacity audience in cabaret setting at Great Malvern's Cube, were witness to a brilliant evening of avant garde poetry and music performed by the amazing vocals of The Malvern Male Voice Choir.
The programme included the specially commissioned piece 'On Malvern Hill' by Liz Dilnot Johnson, Songs from the Sixties, Bohemian Rhapsody, and many other well known songs. We had solo performances of:
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Meditation (from Thais) by Choir Solo Violinist - Will Lee
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Piano Duets - Black & White Rag, Arrival of the Queen of Sheba performed by Charles Pavey and Colin Willis
The electrifying and edgy poetry of Lawrence Ferlinghetti and John Cooper Clarke were performed by Steve Smart. The evening Compere was Tarquin Shaw-Young.
A Standing Ovation at Great Whitley - 10th Oct 2022
The choir continued its series of Centenary concerts in the beautiful setting of the prestigious baroque church at Great Witley. The choir performed pieces from across the globe including 'Gwahoddiad', 'Shenandoah' and our centennial commissioned piece, 'On Malvern Hill'.
We were privileged to be accompanied by the Pirton Paddock Saxophone Quartet who performed a medley of Scottish and Irish folk songs in the first half and more well-known songs in the second half, culminating with the song everyone can't help smiling to - the theme from the Pink Panther'!
The audience also heard a duet sung by Graham Purcocks and Gordon Burrows from 'The Pearl Fishers'. Graham sang three other solos and the audience were in fine voice joining in with the chorus from John Denver's Country Roads. The choir ended the concert with 'The Rose' and our most popular piece 'American Trilogy', during which the church's amazing Baroque organ is heard. You can hear the recording of these two songs by clicking on the title links above.
The choir, soloist and quartet were given a standing ovation at the end, something rarely witnessed and, for which, we were greatly appreciative.
Zest4Life - 22nd Feb 2022
A few members of the choir took the time to go to The Octagon Centre in Poolbrook to sing an unusual carol and say hello to an old choir member, Gordon Rae. He is the handsome chap on the left and wore his old jacket. Midlands Today were there doing a piece on Zest4Life and how it has helped those with dementia and also helped the host, Martin Lawrence, by being able to give back to the community.
We all enjoyed seeing Gordon and had a quick chat. We only did one verse to start with as the TV crew were there for Zest4Life not us, however, they asked for the whole thing before we left so we duly obliged. Everyone seemed to enjoy it, thanks to the seven who were able to attend.
PRESS RELEASE - Published in Malvern Gazette Nov '21
Malvern Male Voice Choir is 100 years old in 2022 and, as part of its preparations for next year, it is holding an Open Rehearsal on Monday 29 November 2021 at Holy Trinity Church, Malvern Link Top, from 7.30 to 9.30 pm. All are welcome to come and sing a selection of much loved music, some of it looking ahead to Christmas. Entitled Old Chestnuts and Carols, admission is free and there will be a half-time tea break during which time there will be a chance to chat and find out more about the Choir. The occasion will be led by the Choir’s experienced and popular MD Charles Pavey, along with young accompanists James Godfrey at the piano and Billy Colbourne on the organ.
Having very recently held a commemoration of Armistice on Remembrance Sunday – one of Malvern Male Voice Choir’s more formal annual events – attention has immediately turned to celebrating Christmas and anticipating what the New Year will bring. Due to the pandemic, the Choir had not previously sung in public since December 2019. It was only during World War Two that the Choir has had to have a longer break during its ten decades of singing. Like all choirs across the globe, however, there is now a real need to rebuild and recruit.
Steve Smart, media and publicity officer of Malvern Male Voice Choir, commented: “There are a good number of very experienced singers in the Choir but, equally, many of us had not sung since our schooldays; however, we soon found that we fitted right in at MMVC. You could find that the Choir becomes an essential enjoyable addition to your social life. Our proceedings are thorough but often light-hearted. The extensive repertoire includes traditional classics, pop classics, favourites from musicals, folk, Welsh and other male voice choir standards and some humorous songs. We sing to a variety of audiences and venues in the area. The Choir always welcomes needs new blood of all ages, and we would like to see many prospective new members come along to try singing with us at this special Open Rehearsal.”
If you would like any more information, please ring Steve Smart on Malvern 560618, or Graham Purcocks who is the membership officer on Malvern 892140…or just come along on 29 November.
GETTING BACK TOGETHER! - 15th Nov 2021
It's been great for the Choir to be able to start meeting back at Holy Trinity Church. Here is a photot of some of the Choir at our first rehearsal following Remembrance Sunday.
SECRETARY'S REPORT - August 2021
Click to read the Secretary's Report, August 2021: