Resounding Win for Spinnaker Chorus!!

Spinnaker chorus secured a resounding victory at the Portsmouth music festival held at the Portsmouth library this weekend, earning a grade of "Outstanding" and winning the prestigious Gordon Neave Trophy!

Spinnaker sang 4 songs: “This is the moment” – From the musical “Jekyll and Hyde”, by Leslie Bricusse & Frank Wildhorn arr.by Brent Graham;

“Have you seen her/Back for good” – A medley of two songs, by Gary Barlow, Eugene Record and Barbara Acklin, arr.by Sam Hubbard;

“Since you’ve been gone” – by Rainbow, arr.by Alex Kaisermann, and;

“It must be love” – by Labi Siffre, arr.by Liz Garnett.

The adjudicator, Julia Dewhurst, said "What a great sound and so flexible across the harmonies. Phrasing is emotionally driven with words leading the way. Visual involvement is across the whole ensemble. There is such discrete discipline in your work and a great connection between conductor and singers. Tuning is confidently accurate and some really effective dynamic build too. Impressive work and your enjoyment palpable. Isn't that what it's all about?" - Yes! We agree! Our enjoyment of our unity, friendship and fun IS what it's all about!

Spinnaker also had 3 quartets enter the contest, and some members and friends of the chorus in a small group. Everyone did so well.

Pitches et al won an Honours in their class for their performances of “Don’t Stop" by Christine McVie arr.by Larry Wright and “Somewhere only we know” by Tim Rice-Oxley, Richard Hughes and Tom Chaplin arr.by Rowena Harper. The adjudicator said “An immediate confidence and ease in the choral blend. Voices are well balanced and the tuning so well in tune! A confident lead voice and such a subtle underpin in the harmony!”

Soul Traders who won a Commended in their class for their performance of “I love being here with you” by Peggy Lee and Bill Schluger arr.by Aaron Dale. The adjudicator said “ A warm tonal blend across the voices and an immediate sense of performance. The moves were natural and enhanced this lively performance”.

The Accidentals who won a commended in their class for their performance of “There are worse things I could do” – Written by Jacobs and Casey, arr.by Patrick McAlexander. The adjudicator said “A smooth blend and an immediate statement of your mood. The harmony is balanced behind the lead voice. A carefully, controlled and shaped performance and a confidence clear across the quartet.”

And the Fourtuned Cookies who also won a commended in their class for their performances of “This could be the start of something big” by Steve Allen, arr.by Scott Kitzmille, and “The Bandstand in Central Park” written and arranged by Nancy Bergman. The adjudicator said: “A real energy coming off the group and the moves were slick and enhanced the effect. You capture the mood sensitively and pace the phrasing stylishly. Your performance has a convincing sense of journey.”

Thank you to Portsmouth Music Festival for hosting such a great event.