May 8th - Coniston Hotel
May 22nd - Long Preston Methodist Chapel
June 5th - Coniston Hotel
June 12th - Long Preston Methodist Chapel
June 19th - Coniston Hotel
We request that members get there by 7-15pm to make a prompt start at 7-30
Any may be subject to change or cancellation
Concert Day, June 29th. St. Michael the Archangel, Kirkby Malham
Rehearsal 3-30pm.
Performance 7-00pm.
Concert Day, July 13th. St Alkelda's, Giggleswick
Rehearsal 3-00pm
Performance 7-00pm
We have a lovely selection of pieces in the programme for this year; a mix of styles, from classical to contemporary, and film music.
Here's a selection: Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring, Adiemus (Carl Jenkins), Ave Verum Corpus (Mozart), Imagine (John Lennon), Bright Eyes (Watership Down), Best of Abba, A Gaelic Blessing (Rutter), and The Rose (Bette Midler version).
Concert dates this summer: Saturday 29th June in Kirkby Malham, and Saturday 13th July in Giggleswick.
Interested?
There is still time to join us if you'd like to be part of our summer season of concerts.
We have space for sopranos especially, but would be happy to hear from anyone who enjoys singing.
If you fancy having a go why not come along, there are no auditions. You can attend two rehearsals without having to commit.
Singing, along with its spiritual benefits, provides many physical health benefits. What a great activity it is in terms of improving various areas of physical fitness.
Physical Health:
Singing exercises your diaphragm and lungs, leading to better breathing and improved lung function. It can also boost your immune system and even help manage chronic conditions like asthma.
Mental and Emotional Well-being:
Singing in a choir is a great stress reliever. It releases endorphins, those feel-good hormones that combat anxiety and elevate your mood. Studies have even shown that singing can reduce symptoms of depression.
Social Connection:
Choirs provide a great way to meet new people who share your love of music. The camaraderie and sense of belonging that comes from working together towards a common goal can be very powerful.
Improved Cognitive Function:
Learning new music challenges your brain and keeps it sharp. Choir members are constantly memorizing lyrics and following along with complex musical pieces.
Creative Outlet:
Singing allows you to express yourself creatively and explore different musical styles. You'll also gain a deeper appreciation for music through the practice of choral singing.
So, if you're looking for a fun and enriching activity that benefits your body, mind, and soul, consider joining:
Voices of Craven
Voices of Craven (VOC) members were delighted that, following recent editorials in the Craven Herald and in the Gargrave and Malhamdale parish magazines, new members have been coming along in number to our recent rehearsals.
With an exciting and varied programme led by our Musical Director, Darren Everhart, and accompanied by Ellie Everhart, our talented rehearsal pianist, new and established
members alike have been having great fun whilst working hard towards our forthcoming concerts.
We mentioned in our editorial pieces that music-making is good for us both mentally and physically, and this has been borne out in the smiling faces and lively chatter at the end of rehearsals. In addition, the break for refreshments has seen everyone enjoying the social benefits of being a VOC member.
See more of what we do below!
On a brisk December night, the iconic Victoria Hall, at Settle, draped in the spirit of the season, played host to a sold-out spectacle:
The "Christmas Crackers" concert.
With every seat filled and anticipation crackling in the air, it was clear this wasn't just any ordinary festive performance. This was a night
promising to explode with merriment and musical magic, and explode it did, exceeding even the most hopeful expectations.
From the moment the curtains rose, the audience was swept away on a joyous sleigh ride through a cornucopia of Christmas classics. "The Voices of Craven" Choir, led by the dynamic Darren Everhart and accompanied by the talented Ellie Everhart, delivered each beloved carol and holiday tune with infectious enthusiasm and polished skill. Whether it was the soaring harmonies of "Believe," the ethereal beauty of "Oh Holy Night," or the foot-stomping energy of "Sleigh Ride," every note resonated with the spirit of the season, tugging at heartstrings and igniting smiles in equal measure.
The atmosphere pulsed with the warmth of shared joy. Laughter rang out like sleigh bells as audience members donned festive hats and joined in on singalongs, transforming the Hall into a giant, joyous Christmas chorus.
Adding to the merriment was a delightful boogie of carols performed by Darren and Ellie Everhart, their playful energy and expertise leaving the
audience roaring with festive cheer.
But the "Christmas Cracker" wasn't just about nostalgia and singalongs. It was also a celebration of musical prowess. Under the leadership of the
charismatic Kevin Maltby, the “Giggleswick and Settle Brass Band” showcased a vibrant repertoire, from the sentimental ballad "Fairytale of New York" to lively instrumental pieces that left the audience awestruck.
The sheer musical talent on display was a testament to the enduring legacy of Victoria Hall, a stage that has witnessed history unfold through the lens of music.
As the finale drew near, the performers and audience came together in a final, glorious rendition of "Christmas Festival," by Leroy Anderson, voices weaving a tapestry of festive cheer that reverberated through the hall and out into the crisp December night.
The applause that followed was thunderous, a standing ovation that spoke volumes about the night's magic.
The "Christmas Cracker" wasn't just a concert; it was an experience. It was a reminder of the power of music to unite, to celebrate, and to fill hearts with joy. It was a vibrant tapestry woven from tradition, talent, and unbridled festive spirit. And as the last notes faded away, leaving behind a lingering echo of Christmas magic, one thing was certain: this festive "Cracker" had truly lived up to its name, exploding with a bang that would resonate long after the lights dimmed and the curtain fell.
On the crisp December evening of the 6th, the Coniston Hotel nestled in the Yorkshire Dales played host to a heartwarming concert that perfectly captured the spirit of the season.
The Voices of Craven Community Choir, a vibrant group known for their passion and dedication to music, filled the elegant hotel with their harmonious voices, offering a program of beloved carols and festive cheer to a sell-out audience enjoying a candlelit dinner.
Stepping into the Coniston Hotel's warmly lit space was like entering a winter wonderland. Soft candlelight danced on the tables, casting a
warm glow on the faces of the audience. The anticipation crackled as the choir members took their places.
As the first notes of “Once in Royal David's City,” rang out, a hush fell over the room.
The choir's voices, rich and blended, soared through the air, filling every corner with their pure emotion. The program, a carefully curated selection of traditional and contemporary carols, resonated with the audience, young and old. From the timeless classics like "Away in a Manger" and "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" to the more upbeat renditions of "Sleigh Ride" and "Have Yourself a Merry Christmas."
The choir's performance was a delightful mix of nostalgia and festive cheer. But it wasn't just the flawless execution of the carols that captivated the audience. The choir's infectious enthusiasm and genuine love for the music shone through every note. Their smiles were as bright as the candlelight, and their energy was contagious, drawing the audience into the Christmas spirit.
There were moments of pure magic, like the solo performance of "O Holy Night," which brought tears of joy to the eyes of many listeners.
The audience responded with rapt attention and appreciative applause.
They swayed to the familiar melodies, hummed along softly, and joined in the carol singing with gusto. The warm glow of the candles, the beautiful music, and the shared festive spirit created a truly special atmosphere that lingered long after the final note had faded.
The Voices of Craven's Carols by Candlelight concert was a resounding success. It was a perfect blend of musical talent, festive joy, and community spirit, offering a heartwarming reminder of the magic of the season. The choir's performance left a lasting impression on the audience, reminding them of the power of music to bring people together and create lasting memories.
The Coniston Hotel, December 6th
We were delighted to have been invited by Darren and Ellie to take part in the Settle Community Carol Concert on Sunday 10th December.
What a joy it was to listen to and sing with other local choirs, and to be accompanied by the marvellous Settle Orchestra , the latter including Ellie who demonstrated her amazing versatility in playing both cello and percussion … not at the same time of course!
Singing in a massed choir is a stirring experience and I am sure that all the singers from VOC were amazed by the fabulous sound we were all able to produce together. There is a depth and resonance to a very large choir and it was truly uplifting to be a part of it.
Darren and Ellie had no idea what the size of the audience would be as it was not ticketed, with a retiring collection going to the Settle Pop-Up Pantry.
As it turned out, the Holy Ascension Church pews were full and the rear of the church was packed with standing audience members. The congregation really entered into the spirit of the event, adding to the depth and volume in the community carols – this was certainly ‘Singing in exultation” at its best.
VOC singers are so pleased to have participated in this wonderful event in aid of such a worthy cause.
The Voices of Craven mini-choir went down well with shoppers at the Coniston Hotel’s Christmas market on 26th November. Accompanied by pianist Elaine Dave, the choir performed a selection of traditional Christmas carols and soon drew an audience into the hotel’s conservatory. The choir performed two sessions, with a short break in between to enjoy the delicious hog roast sandwiches and mulled wine on offer. On returning for the second performance, those watching were invited to join in, which they did with gusto, commenting afterwards that now they had heard and sung carols, Christmas had truly begun!