LAUNCESTON choirs have raised over £460 for Cornish Hospice Care at a recent joint concert.

In the final item of their concert, held at Central Methodist church in Launceston, the Launceston Choral Society and Launceston Male Voice Choir almost raised the roof with their singing of Morte Criste.

Arranged by musical director Jonathan Mann, the joint concert was his idea and made for an interesting and varied evening of music.

The choral society began with the first movement of John Rutter’s Magnificat, which they will be performing in full at their concert on November 12.

Their later items were sung in a variety of languages, including Russian and German, as well as an American theme for Cole Porter’s Night and Day and Conrad’s The Continental.

Their final item was a reprie of David Wilcock’s vocal setting Sing! to Widor’s clebrated Toccata, played by regular guest organist, David Crocker.

The male voice choir items were conducted by musical director, John Beare and Jonathan Mann, accompanied by Connie Wade. They covered a wonderful range of music, from a tongue-in-the-cheek version of When I’m 64, the exuberance of It’s a grand night for singing, as well as modern classics such as What a Wonderful World and Softly as I Leave You.

Proudly Cornish arrangements of Camborne Hill and Proper Job, and sacred items such as Jesus Shall Reign and The Lord’s Prayer were also performed.

Choir member, Keith Roberts, also entertained the audience with his gently irreverent humorous contributions, allowing the choirs to catch their breath.

The choirs agreed to support Cornwall Hospice Care, which helps to fund Mount Edgcumbe Hospice in St Austell and St Julia’s Hospice in Hayle. A total of £469.11 was raised.

Following the concert, choirs and members of the audience enjoyed refreshments together in the Sunday School Hall, a relaxing end to a splendid evening.