Concert went with a swing and the jingling of bells
Music in the park...conductor Chris Groom with Harborough Town Band during the concert at Welland Park to finish of the carnival. (Picture: Andrew Carpenter/001336-86)
REVIEW: Harborough Band Christmas Concert, Our Lady of Victories Church, Saturday, December 15.
FROM fanfares to ‘We Wish You a Merry Christmas’, Saturday’s ever popular Harborough Band concert in the welcoming warmth of Our Lady of Victories Church went with a swing and much jingling of bells!
The guest soloists Tracey Holderness and Siobhan Moore along with the St Joseph’s School Choir gave us an evening of festive musical entertainment enriched by the melodious tones of the band under the excellent direction of Chris Groom.
The church was full as our splendid compère Sean Perry welcomed us and the Band, which began with ‘Fanfare to Worship’, with its glorious trumpets and expert drumming by young Ben Smith.
John Pacey delighted us with his cornet solo in ‘Don’t Doubt Him Now’ and Will Borman made a brilliant debut in the euphonium solo of ‘Away in a Manger’, played with such feeling and control.
The St Joseph’s School Choir singing ‘Turn Down the Lights’ caught that eager anticipation of Christmas morning. ‘Frosty the Snowman’ and ‘Walking in the Air’ brought smiles to our faces as 21 little voices transported us on a lovely snowy journey.
In the second half they delighted us again with their traditional Christmas songs, ‘Jingle Bells’, ‘Away in a Manger’ and ‘We Wish You a Merry Christmas’, beautifully sung with a confident soloist and complete with sleigh bells.
Siobhan and Tracey enchanted us with their solos ‘I Dreamed a Dream’ - powerful and moving, and ‘The Prayer’ - expressive and touching.
Their duets ‘When You Believe’ and ‘Merry Christmas Everybody’ added sparkle and glamour as they got the audience foot-tapping along.
We are so fortunate to have such talented local artists.
Further highlights from the Band were ‘Jig’ - Irish music specially for Father Owen O’Neil, which with its catchy beat brought smiles to all, especially the children in the choir practising their drumming skills.
Leroy Anderson’s A Christmas Festival cleverly interwove evocative and familiar Christmas carols and tunes.
By the time we reached ‘Jingle Bells’, the Band’s finale, we were all clapping, glowing and thoroughly ready for Christmas.
Thank you for such an evening of Christmas joy and anticipation.
Pip and Sussie Clements
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Weather for Market Harborough
Thursday 23 May 2013
Today
Light showers
Temperature: 4 C to 10 C
Wind Speed: 21 mph
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
Light showers
Temperature: 5 C to 10 C
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