Sensational night of opera and shows

INTERNATIONAL inspiration . . . pictured at the charity concert, from left, are Sipho Fubesi, Kauro Shogi, Shirley Heather, David Heather, Bradley Travis, Tim Hawken and Peter Shrigley

A FABULOUS night of music marked a church’s centenary celebrations, and raised money for a great cause.

The Rotary Club of Crompton and Royton presented its third annual “Friday Night Is Our Music Night” at Royton’s St Anne’s Church, which marked the milestone.

Internationally famous opera singer Geoffrey Lawton brought a global group of artists from the Royal Northern College of Music to perform a wonderful evening’s entertainment for the packed audience.

Compere Peter Shrigley introduced Kauro Shogi, a soprano from Japan, Sipho Fubesi, a tenor from South Africa, and Bradley Travis, a baritone from Cheshire, who were accompanied by pianist Tim Hawken.

They performed a varied selection of arias from well-known operas and popular classic show songs.

The performance was rounded off with a rousing rendition of “Brindisi” from La Traviata, which brought a standing ovation.

They were rewarded with an encore and also enjoyed canapés and wine at the interval.

The event was held in support of the Dr Kershaw’s Hospice sensory garden project, which is being promoted by the Rotary Club.

It was supported by Barclays Bank and Lawton Bailey, which designed and sponsored all the printing.

Event promoter and organiser David Heather said: “It was a very enjoyable and successful evening.

“The final figures are not available yet but we will have made a substantial amount in support of the Dr Kershaw’s project. Hopefully this will lead to further extensive planting in the spring, when our team of enthusiastic gardeners will support the hospice volunteer gardeners.”