Raising funds for Liverpool
As preparation for their upcoming trip to Liverpool, and as a means of raising some funds for the tour, the Melody Makers of Bath Abbey treated a sizeable crowd to an evening of choral music at its finest. 
The fundraising concert was split into two halves; the first being a repertoire delivering that signature Melody Makers sound of bubbly enthusiasm, soaring angelic voices, and perfect diction. Their songs took us from happily wallowing in glorious mud, through some tradition anthems and away into the haunting Evening Prayer from Hansel and Gretel. The choir was also pleased to welcome on stage the soloist (and Melody Makers’ vocal coach) Bethan Fryar. Bethan joined the choir for a number of pieces, most notably Verdi’s O Mio Babbino Caro.
After a short talk given by Andrew Rutherford, Chairman of BAMS, the choir took the stage once more. But this time the audience was to witness something a little different… 
Extraordinary Creatures is an eight movement song cycle written for, and dedicated to, The Melody Makers. Once again Mrs Fryar sang alongside the children, but this time there was a far less conventional feeling to the piece. Sharp rhythms, bouncing harmonies, edgy dis-chords and some clever use of the Abbey’s acoustics all combined to serve up a delight that regular Melody Makers audiences are not quite used to – but enjoyed very much, nonetheless. As the choir drew the evening to a close, leaving the stage in a trademark Abbey choristers’ trailing exit, the audience was primed to offer the well-deserved standing ovation, but they just about held onto their applause until the choir had melted away into the South Transept. Magical. 
The night raised over a thousand pounds for the tour. Shean Bowers and the Melody Makers would like to thank Bath Abbey Music Society, soloist Bethan Fryar, Peter King, all of the volunteers, and, of course, everybody who donated. There is still time to donate… The evening was rounded off in perfect style with bubbly and cake. Now here’s looking forward to the tour.
Melody Makers 
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