Leeds Male Voice Choir is on song for centenary

The concert will take place at St James the Great Church on Saturday, April 23, to celebrate the 50-strong choir’s mining heritage.

Spokesman Robert Butler said: “In 1916, conscription was introduced to support the war effort, but certain occupations including steel workers and mining were exempt, because they produced vital ammunition and equipment for the war.

“Many of the early performances of the choir during and in the years after the First World War raised funds to support injured soldiers, including what we now believe to be the first performance of the choir in Stourton in September 1916.”

Music picked for the Manston concert includes much-loved tunes such as Pack Up Your Troubles, Keep The Home Fires Burning and There’s Nothing Like a Dame.

Musical director Tim Knight told the Yorkshire Evening Post: “We have selected some of our favourite pieces for the evening and will celebrate the origins of the choir with a selection of music from the archive alongside more modern pieces we’ve been singing in recent years.”

This month’s concert, which is entitled Mining The Music, is just part of a busy year of centenary activities for the choir.

The programme is due to culminate with a gala concert at Leeds Town Hall in September and an exhibition at Leeds City Museum in the autumn.

“This is the first stop as we celebrate a hundred years of singing and reflect on our origins,” said Tim.

“We’re looking forward to entertaining people with a fine mix of music with something for everyone.”

The Manston concert starts at 7.30pm and tickets can be purchased online via www.leedsmalevoicechoir.co.uk or by calling 0113 243 1605. Entry is free for children.