Lively christmas concert leaves the audience feeling festive

Parents and guests enjoyed some pre-concert Music in the Chamber Music Room as Samantha H performed Mozart’s Sonata No. 4 in E minor KV300: Allegro and Bruch’s Concerto in G minor Op. 26: Allegro moderato on the violin. Katharine S followed with Frank’s Sonata in A major: Allegretto poco mosso, also on the violin. These pieces were accompanied by Graham Scott.

The Concert Band started the concert under the direction of Duncan Emerson. They were on such outstanding form and played three pieces – Pixar Movie Magic, Mount Everest by Rossano Galante, which conjured up images of snow-capped mountains, and, finally, A Jazzy Christmas arranged by J Vinson. A charming new D Boys Choir, under the direction of Richard Rowntree, followed with a memorable performance of Stars I Shall Find by Victor C Johnson. The Senior Saxophone Quartet, coached by Dugald Clark, performed Christmas Medley with some extra drama thrown in as the players pretended their lead alto saxophone was nowhere to be found, only to then hear him walking in playing the introduction!

The Steel Band put smiles on people’s faces with Limbo, under the direction of Richard Baker. The Brass Group, coached by Tony Waller, performed Not Silent Night arranged by C Bevan. The Amaris Choir was conducted by Isabel White and gave two lovely performances: I wonder as I wander arranged by P White and We Three Kings by John H. Hopkins. The accompanist was Ewan Stockwell. The concert ended with two sparkling performances by the always brilliant Dance Band under the direction of William Ings. iBop by Mark Taylor and Jingle Bells Jazz arranged by P Coulman.

The whole concert was lively, fun, energetic and played at a really high standard. The audience were buzzing and left in a Christmassy mood!