Christmas Concert ReviewChristmas Concert Review
| Date held | Saturday 9th December 2000 | ||||
| Venue | St John's church Dormansland |
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| Musical Director | Richard Jenkinson | ||||
| Programme |
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| The Christmas concert of the East Grinstead Choral Society took place on
Saturday 9 December 2000 in St John’s Church, Dormansland. This annual event has attained such a standing in the local
cultural calendar that every last seat in the church was taken. Tickets were sold out well in advance. Under the competent leadership of choral director and renowned organist Richard Jenkinson, the 74 adult singers provided an evening of delightful entertainment, with a varied programme of songs from ancient to modern. Traditional melodies were heard, and C20th music by Ralph Vaughan Williams and Mel Tormé was also represented. The evening opened with the stunning Fanfare for Christmas by Robin Wells, and the choir proceeded with Ding Dong! Merrily on High in an unusual five-beat version arranged by Llewellyn Pearsall. The more modern items, such as Have yourself a merry little Christmas, appeared in the second half of the programme, after a fortifying interlude of wine and mince pies. As in previous years, the children’s choir of Lingfield Primary School led by Julia Tappin also participated in the concert. The choir sang five songs, covering a wide range of musical styles, and one sung in Italian, demonstrating the children’s versatility. They charmed the audience with their bright faces and lovely voices and were warmly applauded by both the audience and the adult choir members. Particular mention should be made of the young soloists who performed their roles splendidly. As always, audience participation was called for and those present in the body of the church gladly joined in the singing of eight traditional carols. Most fun was had during the Twelve Days of Christmas, when gentlemen and ladies sang alternate phrases. Richard Jenkinson does not like his audience to fall asleep! Other features of the evening that deserve special mention are the carol medley performed as a piano duet by the organist and the choral director, and the glorious bass-baritone solo work provided by Darwell Charlton. EGCS would like to thank Darwell for his continued support over the years. Christine Proctor |
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