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The much anticipated, now almost traditional, promenade-style concert looked as if it was a ‘sell-out ‘ by the number of people arriving in good time for the well advertised event.
Friends chattering, acquaintances meeting up, people who had travelled far and the many faithful supporters, were all there expecting to be both entertained by some exciting and excellent music and to be drawn into the mood of the evening in a warm and friendly Christian environment.
We settled, the chattering subsided, and the first notes captivated us – the multi-media screen informed us that this was Superman music, and the (assisted) flight across the stage of a mini-superman (two year old William Selby) was enough to assure us that the evening was going to be GOOD.
Musical talents of every form - composing, arranging, conducting and playing - were offered to God in a moment of prayer and then, with Roy Richley’s guidance as a genial Master of Ceremonies, our musical treat began. Theme tunes from many films were presented in a montage format, greatly aided by relevant scenes from each film, and it was clear that people were enjoying recognising different theme tunes – and remembering who was their favourite actor playing James Bond!
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Not all of the music was loud, exciting, and strident – a lovely, quiet interlude came when Neil Blesset’s tenor horn solo Somewhere Over the Rainbow allowed our pulses to settle a little – ready for the ‘big sing’ which came after the short interval.
The special guest for the evening was Susanne Dymott (Staines) who, with superb and sympathetic accompaniment from Lesley Nicholson, enraptured us all with her singing – especially the mischievous number from Rossini’s Barber of Seville. Even though I didn’t understand the Italian lyrics I couldn’t miss the joy of the song.
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... and how ever did Lesley manage to make the hardest accompaniment seem like a five finger exercise!
Refreshed after a cup of coffee or tea, and after more greeting of friends, we were ready with our flags and party poppers for more music. Some people had gone to lots of trouble with their patriotic hats and costumes, and the band – in evening dress complete with bow ties and roses in their lapels – were more than ready for the Proms second half.
Jerusalem and Land of Hope and Glory were sung with pride and a lot of flag-waving, and the Sea Shanty was followed intently with whistling, clapping, sobbing(!), cheering and stamping, as tradition requires.
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Susanne joined the band again, with the Union Flag draped around her shoulders, to sing Rule Britannia, and we all joined in the choruses, standing and waving our flags – they couldn’t do it better at the Albert Hall.
There was more music for us on such a lovely evening together, but as the band, who played superbly during the evening, closed the event with Leslie Condon’s Celebration everyone agreed that was just what the evening was. The evening was well organised and is clearly a ‘must attend’ event – thank you to everybody involved for all your hard work.
Words: Mavis O'Connor
Pictures: Gordon McKee