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A friendly atmosphere was evident from the very beginning as the Songsters greeted the congregation with warm handshakes and words of welcome. They started the evening reminding everyone “How good it is to sing praises to our God” and by singing two contrasting pieces; the upbeat Praise the Lord – Psalm 148/Richard Phillips, and the contemplative 23rd Psalm set to Howard Goodall’s Vicar of Dibley Theme.
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Due to it being Bonfire Night it was hard for Pauline Wardle of Rugby not to welcome everyone with a pun or two - suffice to say she hoped we would be in for a “sparkling evening”.
The festival included excellent solo items from some very talented members of the group. The first to contribute was Stephanie Lamplough whose vocal solo (I Will Extol Thee - Costa) was so well enjoyed, the audience couldn’t wait until the end to show their appreciation.
Before the interval the Songsters sang two more songs based on the Psalms; There is a River – Psalm 46/Bill Batstone and Tom Howard, followed by Under His Wings – Psalm 91:2 and 4/Yvonne Field.
Rob Hayward then demonstrated outstanding hand/eye co-ordination in The Gypsy Xylophonist – Ian Finkel.
The Songsters ended the first half of the evening with the challenging choral work Laudate Dominum – Latin Vespers/Kevin Norbury that seemed to be appreciated by the congregation.
Everyone was then able to enjoy a traditional 'Army' cup of tea at the interval, which allowed Songsters and audience to chat.
The second half was designed to offer praise to the Lord in song and dance, and to light up the hall with musical fireworks.
Dressed up and ready to go, the Songsters treated the audience to a Medley from the Musical Joseph – Tim Rice/Andrew Lloyd Webber arr. Roger Emerson that showcased a number of different Songsters including an Elvis-styled Pharoah! Great fun was had by all.
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It was a programme with something for everyone and for those who enjoy jazz, Anna Lamplough played The Girl from Ipanema on the saxophone.
It was once again time for the congregation to sing, and Lesley - who had chaired the programme throughout - held an impromptu Songster practice for all gathered. The united singers produced an excellent rendering of Throne of Heaven – Rob Little/Nicholas Samuel.
Following the opening of God’s Word by Songster Sergeant Glenda Dixon, the Songsters then presented two contrasting pieces: the very devotional You are My King – Billy James Foote, and the lively Hebrew folksong arrangement King of Kings – arr. Gary Rhodes ... complete with dancing.
The evening concluded with the Timbrels performing to Music From the Royal Fireworks - Handel, followed by the Songsters singing The Triumph of the Skies – Deborah Craig-Claar/Robert Sterling, both accompanied by a laser display (provided by Lesley’s brother) and fireworks shown on the big screen.
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Following the benediction the Songsters ended the evening by singing Living Fire – Harry Read/Dick Krommenhoek.
The evening was not first and foremost to entertain, it was to present the Christian message to those who attended, to encourage those who believe and to challenge those who don’t. To quote William Booth - “Sing till your whole soul is lifted up to God, and then sing till you lift the eyes of those who know not God to Him who is the fountain of our joy."
Words: Robin Black
Pictures: Gordon McKee
