Symphony Hall Carol Concert - 14th December 2003
Rejoice
3,000 people journeyed from places as far distant as London, Bristol,
Blackpool and the
Isle of Man to enjoy Birmingham Citadel’s Christmas presentation under the title
Rejoice.
This skilful blend of traditional and contemporary Christmas music, dance and
drama was devised and directed for the first time by Graham Lamplough.
Imaginative use of multimedia greatly enhanced the production with action scenes
of the various groups on location, as well as powerful images of the carols
themselves. Darren Bartlett, our guest soloist, immediately communicated himself
to the audience with well chosen seasonal solos that charmed everyone.
The Primary children portrayed the Nativity scene in all its simplicity.
This did not inhibit them from waving to relatives they had spotted in the
audience. One unfortunate angel lost her halo as it slipped irretrievably
from her grasp.
The Night before Christmas was another highlight. Previously untapped talent
was a revelation, as first a teddy bear, then a fairy, a toy soldier, a clown and
a mechanical doll emerged from their various Christmas boxes, demonstrating
choreographed dancing skills to music that included The Teddy Bears' Picnic and
Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy.
All the musical forces were in top form with excellently selected presentations. The
medieval multimedia visuals that preceded the band’s presentation of Gaudate were especially inventive. Major Charles King, our special guest
speaker, quickly established an easy rapport with the vast audience and they soon
warmed to his words. A truly inspiring setting of O Come All Ye Faithful in
which we were invited to worship the Christ child, brought the proceedings to a
close. Symphony Hall had once more echoed to the Christmas message.
‘Wonderful!’ ‘Brilliant!’ ‘Uplifting!’ The writer picked up such words as the
audience dispersed into the keen night air. £5,000 was raised in aid of the
newly established Aston Youth Corps project.
Words: Fred Crowhurst
Photos: Graham Daff
