For many people in and around Birmingham, Christmas starts in the Symphony Hall when Birmingham Citadel holds its annual 'Carols at Christmas' extravaganza. This year our Territorial Commander, Commissioner Alex Hughes, and his wife Ingeborg graced us with their presence, and Nick Hanover charmed us with his beautiful singing.
The scene was set with the band playing Andrew Blyth's fanfare and prelude The Great Celebration while the children excitedly rushed around stage opening their Christmas presents.
The Great Celebration
And then the question appeared overhead on the giant multi-media screen - "Is this what Christmas is all about?" The mood changed as the house lights dimmed and a single spotlight focussed in on a small manger with Bandsman Neil Blessett standing alongside playing Sweet Little Jesus Boy - a tenor horn solo specially arranged by Bandsman Graham Lamplough. This thoughtful period continued as Commissioner Ingeborg Hughes opened the proceedings in prayer.
Sweet Little Jesus Boy
Following the 'congregational' singing of O Come, All Ye Faithful the Singing Company delighted us with two songs. In a Stable comes from the nativity musical It's a Party! and reminds us that the purpose of Jesus' coming to earth was that we might know Him and worship Him. The lively calypso Peace on Earth is centred on the song of the angels and incorporates a short burst of Beethoven in the well known Joyful, Joyful, we Adore Thee!
Every year without fail the youngest members of Birmingham Citadel provide the highlight of the day with their own inimitable presentation of the nativity play. This year was no exception - the children won the hearts of everyone gathered in the great Symphony Hall. The story was as seen through the eyes of the innkeeper. What started out as an ordinary night, with the innkeeper climbing into bed, turned into something quite extraordinary with the innkeeper in and out of bed repeatedly as various visitors arrived: expectant couple, shepherds, wise men and angels - all disturbing precious sleep! Eventually the visitors were gathered around the newly born baby Jesus, when the innkeeper awoke again, and was clearly delighted to discover an extra visitor at the inn.
|
Story |
Singing |
Nick Hanover hails from Chelmsford and works for The Salvation Army's Mission Team. As guest soloist he brought two beautiful songs - What I really Want To Say and We Are the Reason.
|
What I really Want To Say |
We Are the Reason |
The festive feature Christmas all Over the World took everyone on a seasonal journey with the presentation of an international medley of Christmas songs. Here we see Nick Hanover in his rather natty Aussie costume as he reminded us of Christmas 'down under' . Also, Stephanie Lamplough as she brought a bit of festive cheer with her Spanish dancing in her (Mmmm) natty Spanish costume.
Christmas all Over the World
It is always a pleasure to provide help and support to a deserving cause, and so it was when Major Victor Kennedy (our Commanding Officer and amiable Irish compere) presented a substantial cheque to Miss Louise Quiller of The Foundation for Conductive Education following the appeal and collection.
A light-hearted piece titled Kings of Orient featuring the carols We Three Kings and Good King Wenceslas was brought by the Young Peoples Band. This was followed by the march To Celebrate His Birth which includes the carol As with Gladness Men of Old.
Kings of Orient
Over 2,000 years ago, shepherds wondered at the sound of angelic voices telling them of the birth of God's only son. Today we still celebrate the Messiah and proclaim his glory. Both these thoughts were brought to life in the Songsters' singing of No Wonder the Angels Sang and Proclaim the Glory.
Although billed as a Carol Concert, ample opportunity was provided for congregational singing. It was a joy to hear such a vast choir singing praises to God at this joyous time and also touching to hear the silence as the hall hushed for the reading of God's word.
The Proclamation of Christmas is an exciting festive arrangement by Stephen Bulla of five carols including While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night and Angels from the Realms of Glory. This was brought to us by the Senior Band.
The Proclamation of Christmas
Shown here 'larger than life' courtesy of the giant multi-media screen is our very own Territorial Commander, Commissioner Alex Hughes. He and his wife Ingeborg are always welcome visitors to Birmingham. The Commissioner thoughtfully reminded us in his Christmas message firstly of the darkness experienced by the shepherds, and then of the darkness in the world today: darkness caused by so many man-made tragedies around the world. But then he focussed on the Good News of Christmas, pointing out that God is saying to all of us that even in times darkness "Do not be afraid." The Bible contains 366 quotations on that theme of not being afraid - one for every day of the year, even in leap years! So, take heed - even in times of darkness there is no need to be afraid.
Two further solos from Nick, Who Would Imagine a King? and Saviour's Day reinforced the message of Christmas and left us in no doubt of his sincerity as a Christian and of the quality of his singing voice.
|
Who Would Imagine a King? |
Always a favourite, the Timbrels brought a stunning, fast-paced display to the music Shine Down.
Shine Down
In true theatrical style, the celebration finale built up and up until everyone in the hall was joined together in the singing of Joy to the World!
Joy to the World!
It was a joyous occasion requiring an immense amount of organisation, and thanks must be said to everyone who was involved in any way, great or small - THANK YOU.
Don't forget - next year, same venue, date 14th December 2003. Watch this space for forthcoming ticket information.