Elmbridge Choir’s recent Jukebox Harmony concert proved to be a tremendous success, with the largest audience the choir has seen since Covid filling the church for a memorable evening of music, harmony and celebration, and raising more than £1000 for Surrey Search and Rescue.

Performing to a highly appreciative audience, the choir delivered a wonderfully varied programme under the musical direction of Hugh Beckwith, taking listeners on a musical journey across genres and decades. The evening included beautiful works by John Rutter alongside much-loved favourites from Keane, Neil Diamond Elvis, Elton John, The Carpenters and Culture Club, as well as the moving Sunrise, Sunset from Fiddler on the Roof. A particular highlight was the choir’s unaccompanied performance of Billy Joel’s And So It Goes, an emotional piece which showcased the choir’s blend and sensitivity.

Musical Director Hugh Beckwith was on fine form throughout the evening — not only inspiring the choir musically, but also entertaining the audience with his warm and witty repartee, which added to the relaxed and joyful atmosphere of the concert. The choir was expertly accompanied by Emelia Noack-Wilkinson, whose skilful piano playing supported the programme beautifully.

Compered by choir member Sara Cushing, whose welcoming warmth immediately put the audience at ease, the evening flowed effortlessly from one performance to the next. Several newer choir members performed for the first time, clearly enjoying themselves immensely, and once the concert had finished, audience members were heard to comment not only on the quality and variety of the music, but also on the enjoyment radiating from the choir throughout.

The choir was delighted to welcome the Mayor of Elmbridge, Cllr Steve Bax, and Mayoress Kim Bax, and the audience heard from Elizabeth Drapper of Surrey Search and Rescue, the choir’s chosen charity for the event. Thanks to the generosity of concert-goers, more than £1,000 was raised to support the charity’s vital work within the community - a fantastic result!

Following rapturous applause at the end of the concert and enthusiastic calls for “more!”, the choir performed a joyful encore of Walking on Sunshine by Katrina and the Waves, bringing the evening to a suitably uplifting and energetic close.

With smiles all round from audience and choir alike, Jukebox Harmony was a huge success and a wonderful celebration of music, community and shared enjoyment.