A classical celebration will unite international opera tenor Seán Ruane with the choir he decided not to join nearly 40 years ago, acclaimed Rossendale Male Voice Choir.
Although that encounter didn’t work out for Seán, who at that time lived in Bacup, he is delighted to be sharing the stage with the century-old choir at the Royal Court Theatre in Bacup on Saturday, September 28.
Seán, who has sung all over the world at prestigious sporting matches and now teaches future singers as well as performing, said: “When I first started singing, I went to try out the male Rossendale MVC.
“They were rehearsing at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Rawtenstall, but the songs they were singing were just not for me and it was the wrong time in my life.
“Now, I really appreciate them and I am so looking forward to us both telling our musical stories on the stage.”
Rossendale Male Voice Choir has been holding a series of concerts to celebrate 100 years since Fred Tomlinson founded the choir.
The choir approached Seán about a joint concert as part of their centenary celebrations and he was delighted to have the opportunity of uniting their voices.
Seán said: “This will be a double bill - a showcase for both of us. The choir will celebrate 100 years of song with family favourites, and I will also get the chance to tell my story too with classical opera pieces.
“A lot of the time, when I am performing, there is only me on the stage, so I am looking forward to us working together.”
The choir’s media manager, Michael Banham-Guerrero, who has sung with the choir for more than 30 years, expressed his excitement and said the choir was eagerly anticipating the opportunity to sing alongside renowned tenor Mr Ruane.
He said: “The Rossendale Male Voice Choir, renowned for its powerful and harmonious performances, is set to captivate audiences once again with this upcoming concert.
“Mr Ruane is a celebrated figure in the world of opera and classical music.
The concert promises an enchanting evening filled with a diverse repertoire that spans traditional choral pieces, classical masterpieces, and contemporary arrangements.
“The combination of the choir’s robust vocal harmonies and Mr Ruane’s extraordinary talent is sure to create a memorable and moving musical experience.
“This collaboration is a unique opportunity to witness the blending of choral and solo performances, creating a rich tapestry of sound that will resonate long after the final note is sung.”
Tickets, priced £15, can be purchased by visiting www.bacuproyalcourttheatre.com, at Wishes Galore in Bacup or the choir’s Facebook page or website www.rossendalemalevoicechoir.co.uk.
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