The Manx Festival Chorus held its first concert with new musical director John Riley, during its winter concert last weekend.

The choir performed impressive interpretations of Faure’s ’Requiem’ and Vivaldi’s ’Gloria’, with the help of guest soloists, Cleveland Medal winners Jayne Corkill, soprano, and Jayne Mayne, contralto, at St George’s Church on Sunday afternoon.

Fellow Cleveland medal winner Graham Crowe stepped in to perform at the last minute when baritone singer Matthew Quinn was unable to sing with the choir.

Pianist Marilyn Kissack provided the accompaniment.

They were also joined by organist Graham Kirkland, a former head of music services for the department of Education, Sports and Culture.

He also takes over John’s previous roles as deputy accompanist and deputy conductor for the choir.

John Riley had recently taken over the leadership of the long-running Manx Festival Chorus and this was the first performance for the choir under a new conductor, after its founder and former musical conductor John Bethell stepped down.

John had led the choir as musical director since he formed it in 1969.

He has since been given the honorary title of Conductor Emeritus in recognition of his years of dedicated service to the choir.

The Manx Festival Chorus next performs at St George’s Church on Saturday, May 16 at 7.30pm, where they will be joined by members of the North West Choir, who will travel from England to perform, and soloists Mandy Griffin and Graham Crowe to sing Rossini’s Petite Messe Solenelle’ for their spring concert.

John Bethell is expected to return to lead the choir for that particular concert.

by Mike Wade

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