Talitha Hookway tells of the thrill of singing with Durham University Gospel Choir in Durham Cathedral during the Easter holidays, made possible by the Student Opportunities Fund.
Since I was in my first year, I have been a member of Durham University Gospel Choir. I also was their musical director last year and saw the choir through to the finals of University Gospel Choir of the Year where we came 2nd. This Easter, we had the incredible opportunity of being the supporting act for the famous British soul singer Heather Small, previously the lead singer of M People, in her concert at Durham Cathedral.
We sang in the beautiful Galilee Chapel as the sold-out crowd entered for the concert. Many people were blown away by the sound of gospel music as they came in, helped by the fantastic acoustics of the cathedral. Within our performance, I performed a solo of ‘You’ve Got The Love’ by Florence & The Machine, arranged by Vocal Works Gospel Choir. This was hugely popular with the audience as they loved the gospel twist on the famous pop song.
Arrangements that I had made for the choir during my time as musical director were also used, including ‘Stand Up’ by Cynthia Erivo and ‘Revelation 19v1’ by Sunday Service Choir. It was so much fun to hear them in the beautiful setting of the cathedral! Within DU Gospel Choir, we sing a wide range of music from traditional gospel songs to modern pop songs. We like to stretch our abilities with complex harmonies and even improvisation! You may have even heard us perform at the Theology and Religion formal last year within John’s which was such a special performance for me as it was amazing to bring the choir into my own college.
After we had performed, we had the privilege of watching Heather Small’s concert hearing hits such as ‘Proud’ and ‘Moving On Up’. It was a fun way to relax after the concert and bond together as a choir.
Being part of Durham University Gospel Choir is one of the greatest highlights of my university experience and something I shall never forget. I am so thankful to the St John’s Opportunity Fund for providing the means to travel to Durham during the holidays to perform as part of this great experience.
John's Chronicle 