Choir to perform at Darlington church (From Darlington and Stockton Times)

Hartlepool Male Voice Choir to perform at Northgate United Reformed Church, Darlington

3:36pm Wednesday 6th March 2013 in News By Andy Walker, Chief Reporter (Darlington)

A 50-STRONG choir is tuning up for a performance in a Darlington church after a puzzle over how to accommodate all the singers was solved.

Hartlepool Male Voice Choir is performing at Northgate United Reformed Church, on Saturday, March 16, at 7.30pm.

Organisers say it promises to be a special night with a choir that has previously performed at the Royal Albert Hall.

Songs of all kinds will be sung at the church which is popular among choirs because of its acoustics.

David Gibson, musical director of Hartlepool Male Voice Choir, said: “We’re looking at between 50 and 60 singers on the night, but if everybody was here we’d have about 80.

“The youngest one’s in his early twenties and the eldest one is 86.

“You tend to get that with choirs nowadays as it’s quite a big commitment.”

There has been much discussion about how to fit all of the singers into the church.

Maranny Jones, lay preacher at the church said: “I heard them about 18 months ago, in Hartlepool and right away I wanted them to come because they are a wonderful choir.

“As well as good music there’s lots of humour, with songs fromm the shows and sacred and classical pieces.

“It was a really good night and I want folk in Darlington to have the same experience.”

For ticket information, call 01325-464137.