The Archers theme on village church organ? It brought a smile to everyone’s faces

On Saturday, October 19 a very different concert was held in St Mary’s Church Aldworth.

“We are used to the sounds of a string quartet and an opera soloist, but this saw a male-voice chorus and our organ played in a style we hadn’t heard before,” said Gill Wilding from the church’s fundraising team.

“Andy Grace, a well-known local organist played beautifully with music from Bizet to Shostakovich. His rendition of Barwick Green - the Archers theme - brought a smile to everyone’s faces and his final piece, Crown Imperial (Walton) was a triumph.”

The first part of each half was performed by the Thames Valley Chorus, a large group of barbershop singers from Reading.

From I’m Gonna Live Till I Die through to a Jungle Book medley the harmonies soared throughout the church.

“Of particular mention was their rendition of Bring Him Home from Les Misérables, accompanied by Andy on the organ,” said Mrs Wilding. “The gentlemen sang with gusto and their ability to enact the story within the songs was remarkable.

“It was a brilliant evening and the church was able to raise a significant sum towards the upkeep of our wonderful old church.

A very grateful thanks to Andy Grace and The Thames Valley Chorus and to all who supported us,” added Mrs Wilding.