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As the crowds assembled in the foyer of Symphony Hall on a cold, damp Sunday afternoon in December, and slowly made their way in the auditorium, there was buzz of excitement and anticipation. For many this was the perfect start to their Christmas festivities, an opportunity to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas, and to celebrate the birth of baby Jesus. It was also an occasion for meeting friends from near and far, many having made considerable journeys to be present at, and part of, this very special ‘Christmas Celebration’.
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Such has been the success of previous events, there is always considerable demand for seats and this year was no exception, attracting an almost capacity audience, mainly made up of non-Salvationist friends.
A musical feast of the highest order was presented by members of Birmingham Citadel Corps and special guests – Bobby Irvine (vocal) and Commissioner Keith Banks. All participants deserve congratulations and thanks for all their preparation, attention to detail and excellent presentation
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The opening item left the audience in no doubt as to why we were there – simply to reflect on and celebrate The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year. As on previous occasions, the timbrels impressed with their well-drilled routine, this year to a medley of Christmas tunes arranged by Philip Harper (MD of the Polysteel Band), while the Primary children ‘stole the show’ with an unusual look at the Christmas Story, written by our guest – Commissioner Keith Banks. The children were magnificent.
Guest soloist Bobby Irvine proved to be an excellent choice, using his rich sound and clear diction to communicate both the Christmas message and his own personal faith and experience.
The corps musical sections present a range of well-prepared Christmas music. How fortunate we are at Birmingham Citadel to have such a wealth of talent in both junior and senior sections. Particular thanks are due to Gavin Lamplough for his composition Venite Adoremus Dominum (O Come Let Us Adore Him, Christ The Lord), the major work of the afternoon by the Birmingham Citadel Band.
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At events such as this we often fail to acknowledge the part played by accompanists. To fulfil this role requires a particular expertise and sensitivity. Both were in evidence throughout the afternoon and served to enhance the contributions by soloist, vocal groups and audience.
Despite recent media reporting of school nativity plays and other Christmas occasions being reduced to secular events, this was certainly not the case at Symphony Hall. The message throughout was loud and clear and Commissioner Keith Banks left the audience with a simple but clear message that “He is alive. Christ is alive.”
Unsolicited comments after this Christmas Celebration included: “The best yet”; “Wasn’t that wonderful?”; “We must order our tickets for next year”; “What a beautiful voice he had”; “The young children were marvellous”; “Those timbrels should be appearing on the Royal Variety Performance”.
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An occasion such as this always attracts many people who rarely attend a place of worship. For some it is their only encounter with the Christmas message; for others it is a family occasion or an opportunity to meet with friends. Whatever their motivation they were sure to have experienced the true spirit of Christmas and have been reminded of the love of Christ for each one of us.
Words: David Bartle
Photos: Gordon McKee
