First concert for new band from Wren Music

This June an Exeter venue sees a first full concert by a new group from Okehampton based Wren Music. MenSing is a 20 strong choir of all male voices who have been singing together for just over a year and have already caused a stir with their first few performances.

On Friday 16th June in Cygnet Theatre, Friar’s Gate, Exeter, MenSing will present a full concert of English folk songs, new songs and songs which have caught their imagination. This special concert for Father’s Day is part of the DoubleBill series of folk events at the Cygnet and balances the popular Herstory women’s choir from Wren Music who performed at this venue for International Women’s Day in March.

MenSing have been drawing audience reactions like - “inspiring choice of strong songs”  - “great focus and quality”  - “some great voices in the group combining together”.

Their first performance was at a concert in Sidmouth Folk Week last year. Then they were invited to be one of the resident acts in the Baring Gould Folk weekend last October and finished the year at a Christmas event in Okehampton. Since then they’ve been learning new material and polishing their harmonies ready for presenting this event, their first full concert.

The evening will comprise full vocal harmony pieces, balanced with solo-led items and instrumental accompaniments featuring guitar, piano accordion and piano. The musical ideas for the group come a huge variety of sources including shanty groups, the Australian-based Spooky Men’s chorale and most significantly Sardinian singing friends the all-male Sos Cantores.

“Their commitment and sheer musical energy blows me away” said choir director Paul Wilson. “I have directed many choirs and singing groups over the years and this lot are definitely in a class of their own”

Choir members have said “I love the sounds we create” – “we’ve made firm new friendships” – “we’ve got so many exciting plans”

Come and catch this first full concert of songs about life, love, politics, and . . . . yes - beer!

The Cygnet Theatre Concert takes place on Friday 16th June at 7.30pm. Tickets are £10, bookable through the Cygnet Theatre Box Office – 01392 277189, via Exeter Visitors Information and Tickets Dix’s Field, Paris Street, Exeter – 01392 665885 or by visiting www.wegottickets.com/cygnettheatre