There is a programme on radio called ‘Friday Night is Music Night. This could have been the name of the programme given by Perth’s Jambouree Cabaret Singers, in St Ninian’s Cathedral, Perth, under the direction of MD Edna Auld who also supported the programme at the piano.

Moira and Kenneth

In the first section of opera and operetta the solo voices were showcased and nearly all of these young voices had quality of tone, excellent diction and beautifully phrased singing. Even the youngest voice among the soloists showed great promise and potential. It is unfair to highlight one or two outstanding voices, but the performance of Gluck’s ‘Che faro’ sung by Teenah Brain revealed a voice rich in mezzo quality and mood. Teenah was joined in the quartet by Moira Duncan (soprano), Liam Bonthrone (tenor) and Kenneth McIver (bass) singing a fine rendition of Rossini’s Il Carnivale di Venezia. Two choral pieces followed with beautiful arrangements of the Ashokan Farewell and Flying Free then a piano solo played well by Fraser McDonald. Popular with the audience was the solo sung by Liam Bonthrone. Liam is soon to take up his place at the Royal Scottish Conservatoire in Glasgow.

The second half of the evening began with a range of songs from the world of musicals, some sung by ensemble and others presented by soloists. There were songs from ‘Call Me Madam’, ‘Puttin’ on the Ritz’, ‘Anything Goes’ as well as ‘The Boyfriend’ and from more modern musicals. It was interesting to hear from the next generation of male singers: ‘Empty Chairs and Tables’ from Les Miserables was sung by Craig King, a young man with a pleasant tenor voice and much stage presence. Kenneth McIver also sang from ‘Les Mis’, the taxing song ‘Stars’. His was a bass voice of great quality and rich tone and the range was mesmeric.

The final set was a selection of Scots songs and duets. Many of the arrangements of the music were by Perth’s own John Scrimgeour.

This was indeed a Friday Night of Music, when we enjoyed the performance given by young men and ladies who were extremely professional in their attitude and in the delivery of such happy music.

by Ron Cochrane (Chair of the Friends of Perth Cathedral Music)