Glasgow choir share stage with world-renowned musician

The Mackintosh Choir, based in Kelvindale, were joined by globally recognised bandoneon player, Nicolas Maceratesi, who flew from Italy to perform with the amateur group for a special concert last Sunday.

Nicolas has played on many stages and events across the globe, including one where Al Pacino danced on the stage while he played the bandoneon.

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Joined also by a string quintet formed from the crème de la crème of Scottish musicians, the gig ended with a standing ovation and a buzz like no other for the West End group.

Eunice Lancaster, part of the Kelvindale-based choir committee and singer in the group said: “It was a great night, it was honestly amazing.

“I’ve never sung with an orchestra before, and they were just so talented. It was a privilege to play with them.

“We had such a buzz after the show, there were about 300 people there and we even got a standing ovation.”

Eunice joked: “I understand what it feels like to be Bon Jovi (now).”

The performance took place at the St. Johns Renfield Church, where the choir and musicians performed, for the first time, a tango mass – which combines the music of tango with a traditional Latin mass.

The group performed Scottish and Argentinian songs in the tango mass style as composed and conducted by Au Arias – who became the choir’s music director two years ago.

Speaking on Au’s vision for the show, Eunice said: “Au wanted to connect Scotland and Argentina with the putting together of the tango and the mass.

“He wanted to compose things here, while still feeling as though he is at home.

“It’s a really difficult thing to learn as amateurs, but he was so patient and made us laugh.

“It felt really special.”

Since the performance, the band have received some lovely feedback and even a handful of sign-ups.

Eunice explained: “We got an email saying the choir was exceptional and the musicians and musicality were great too.

“We’ve also had two people coming to us to ask to join, so more people are wanting to be involved now.

“It feels amazing, especially since it took months of work leading up to this.”

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The choir are very thankful for the National Lottery Community Funding, which provided funding to allow the group to put on the event.

The Mackintosh Choir has been running for over a decade now and is an award-winning, open access and non-audition choir.

The group was established with support from the Charles Rennie Mackintosh Society and Queen’s Cross Housing Association.

In 2015 the choir was conducted by the world-renowned composer, John Rutter CBE, as they “Feel the Spirit”. He later agreed to be the group’s patron, which he still is today. 

To find out more information or to contact The Mackintosh Choir, click HERE