For Auld Lang Syne

While it may seem academic to introduce in print another new album by the famous Glasgow Phoenix Choir (and this is their 19th) each time I hear a new record by this great Scottish choir the urge is there to write in their praise. Now in their 29th. year, the Phoenix have behind them a long and impressive list of countries successfully visited, including the United States of America (twice); Canada, Germany, Ireland, England and of course the length and breadth of Scotland, bringing back many trophies and countless warm and lasting friendships. Indeed they have blazed new international trails in the finest Scottish choral tradition: a tradition that goes back to the beginning of this century of ours; a singing tradition that has placed the City of Glasgow firmly on the world's musical maps for all time. Nor do they forget their home supporters: every spring and winter they pack Glasgow's huge City Hall for three nights in the week, each night a memorable festival of song.

The conductor of the Glasgow Phoenix Choir is Peter Mooney, recently retired as Music Master of a well-known Lanarkshire school: a man truly dedicated to choral music at its highest level; his voice can be heard introducing the various items on this record; he it was who guided the Choir in bringing home two major BBC trophies plus two big awards from the Cork International Competitions.

For myself, having attended many of the Phoenix Choir rehearsals and concerts, both here and abroad, and their numerous broadcasting and recording sessions, from the sidelines 1 am always struck by the tremendous sincerity and the deep concentration this great Choir and its conductor put into their work. Everything Mr. Mooney and his merry men and maids from Strathclyde perform is done with such heart and soul; this tribute from an Edinburgh man to these, my friends from Glasgow, is the highest accolade that can be paid. When you listen to this, the latest record release of the Glasgow Phoenix Choir, you will surely agree.

Wemyess Craigie,

"Scotland's Magazine."