A Christmas cracker of a concert
CHRISTMAS is coming and this was the 50th Christmas Festival hosted by the famous Colne Valley Male Voice Choir, with guests Brighouse and Rastrick Brass Band and witty compère Dr Simon Lindley.
We heard the unmistakable and matchless Colne Valley sound time and time again in festive favourites such as Deck The Halls, typified by chordal refrains in which a sprightly tenor section responded to some hearty bass melodies.
Thom Meredith, the choir’s conductor, coaxed a wonderful range of expression from the singers, maximising the vast choral potential at his fingertips as in Band of Brothers and The Candlelight Carol, both his own stunning arrangements.
We heard beautiful phrasing and each voice part knew its place; hushed when in the background and strong singing for melodic lines.
The choir’s perfect choral blend really came to the fore in The Little Road to Bethlehem a lovely a capella number.
The choir’s finest moment was its outstanding performance of How Great Thou Art, an arrangement completely suited to this choir, which had immediate choral impact, the men singing with utter conviction. Forget this week’s charts, this is my Christmas Number One!
The world class brass band, conducted by Dr David Thornton were delicate in the small ensemble arrangement of Away in a Manger and daring in Auld Lang Syne, showcasing the unbelievable skills of virtuoso euphonium soloist Chris Robertson. They dazzled in Trepak and were wonderfully daft in the musical comedic Bare Necessities featuring charismatic tuba soloist Dave Hebb!
Speaking of soloists, the choir had local lad Raymond Ellis (tenor) up its sleeve for a knockout rendition of The Holy City in which the men’s sensitive singing created an angelic ambience.
The sight and sound of The
Colne Valley Boys was endearing. Quite a throng of older lads and a modest front row of younger boys. Inspiring to see this bunch singing their hearts out, especially in Wake Me Up, with its different parts, and making an impact in this huge space. Well done! Special mention must go to soloists Jacob SykesKenworthy and William Taylor for their confident and accomplished singing in Because of Him.
Accompanist Keith Swallow and Chris Pulleyn again showed us their pianistic prowess this evening, especially in the more flowery accompaniments of Mistletoe and Wine (Keith) and Believe (Chris).
As the song says, ‘It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas’ thanks to the musicians who entertained us with their super seasonal programme concluding with We Wish You a Merry Christmas, a snappy arrangement by choir member James Blagborough.
And fantastic to see not an empty seat in this packed Town Hall. This was a terrific evening’s entertainment, a real Christmas cracker!
Production: Christmas Festival Performers: Colne Valley Male Voice Choir, Colne Valley Boys and
Brighouse and Rastrick Brass Band Venue: Huddersfield Town Hall Review by: Suzanne Smelt