Braintree Male Voice Choir takes Tuscany by Storm

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A severe thunderstorm almost prevented the Choir from singing at one of the concerts it was due to give in Tuscany.

A two hour thunderstorm and torrential rain almost cancelled the concert that Braintree Male Voice Choir was due to give in the 18th Century Tettuccio spa complex in Montecatini, Italy. But once the rain stopped, an audience of about 150 gathered. It was a fantastic setting for a concert and there was a standing ovation at the end of the concert. The choir was in good company as Puccini had composed parts of La Boheme there and Verdi had also visited the spa.

The 25 strong choir's recent five-day stay in Tuscany included a visit to the medieval walled city of Lucca, a wine tasting to help oil the vocal chords, and a tour of Florence. Apart from the thunderstorm, the choir had enjoyed fabulous hot and sunny weather. The day in Florence ended with the choir performing in the church of San Salvatore a Monte which overlooks one of the world famous views of Florence from the Piazza Michelangelo.

As a tribute to its tour of Italy the choir included Gloria by Vivaldi and Ave Maria by Caccini in its list of songs as well as many popular favourites from its varied repertoire.
The choir was led by Elisabeth Miller its musical Director and supported by Hilary Morgan, its accompanist.


Corrina Wilson, an up and coming soprano from Witham, performed a number of solo pieces and wowed both the audiences and the choir. The audiences were also superbly entertained by Ian Whiteside on the saxophone and John Walker on the trombone.

More information about the choir can be found at www.braintreemvc.com

EssexTouristGuide.com 2nd October 2011

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