Photos

Rejoice

Being a relative newcomer to the corps, this was my first ever attendance at one of their carol concerts.  I was, therefore, looking forward to it without knowing exactly what to expect, other than the obvious.  There is no shortage of talent in Birmingham Citadel, so it was reasonable to expect a quality programme: which, from an entertainment point of view, was good to know.  More importantly, there is at its very heart, sincerity of purpose – to proclaim God’s word and extend his kingdom.

There were two performances, one in the afternoon and another in the evening.  My comments relate to the evening performance, which is the one I attended.  If the afternoon was anywhere near as good (and I am reliably informed it was), then all those who took part should feel confident that the audience went away having been entertained and blessed.

The programme commenced with all the cast forming up on stage.  The band went straight into a Christmas selection, a short time into which singers on stage – the Songsters (choir) and the Young People’s Singing Company (junior choir) – joined in.  The first verse was performed by special guest soloist Susanne Dymott.  As the music continued, Major Maurice Hunt invited the audience to sing along to Ding Dong Merrily On High and The Holly And The Ivy. When the music ended, Major Hunt offered a prayer, asking for God’s blessing on those gathered and on the evening.

The next item came from the singing company, with young Kieran Sharman taking centre-stage and in the spotlight to sing the first verse solo of This Joy by Bob Chilcott.  If he was nervous (I know I would have been!) he certainly didn’t show it.  The rest of the choir then joined in for the remainder of the song; the words reminding us of God’s precious gift of children, and of the special child Jesus.

Next up was the timbrel brigade.  The origins of the timbrel being used by The Salvation Army date back to the 1880s, 1890s (quite an interesting story in itself).  The design may have changed little since that time, but the setting for the evening could not have been more different to those in which our early forbearers jingled to the music of their day.  With the hall lights dimmed, the eleven timbrellists, dressed in black and wearing scarves, their timbrels adorned with little white lights, expertly jingled and danced their way through Leroy Anderson’s Sleigh Ride, played by the band.

Major Lynda Hunt then invited us all to sing the next carol Away In A Manger.

It was then the turn of the primary - who may well have been the real stars of the show, judging by the audience’s reaction!  Titled The Special Star, this was a childlike interpretation of the Christmas message; Josie Lamplough in particular having, quite literally, a ‘star' role.  Full marks to all these young children for their impeccable behaviour and for warming our hearts.  If anyone in the audience wasn’t smiling, I couldn’t see them.  A word of praise also for those devoted people who taught (teach) these youngsters; not forgetting those who prepared their excellent costumes!  The primary were then joined by the singing company in the singing of Joy Webb’s Noel.

Susanne Dymott is a Salvationist at Staines corps, and, until fairly recently, a member of the International Staff Songsters.  Susanne, who is in her third year of classical vocal studies at the Guildhall School of Music, sings at a professional level.  Even if I hadn’t read this in the programme notes, it would have been obvious to me, and to everyone in the hall, that here was a special talent.  Susanne’s chosen songs were The Little Road To Bethlehem by Michael Head, and Christ Has Come by Yvonne Field. Susanne’s accompanist was Songster Leader Lesley Nicholson, an accomplished pianist in her own right.

Territorial Commander, Commissioner John Matear, then brought to us a Bible reading telling of that first Christmas.

The audience sang the carol Little Donkey accompanied by the YP band; who then went on to play two items: first, an arrangement by Roger Trigg of the well-known traditional carol I Saw Three Ships, followed by an arrangement by Martin Cordner of Trepak (a traditional Ukrainian style folk dance) from Tchaikovsky’s fantasy fairy-tale ballet Nutcracker Suite.

It has become customary at events such as this to raise money for charity.  The chosen charity on this occasion was Edward’s Trust, founded 20 years ago by Peter and Hilary Dent in memory of their son Edward, who died of cancer when just 7 years of age.  Losing a child of any age is every parent’s worst nightmare, but it is all the more heartbreaking when the child is young.  No amount of money can bring their loved ones back, of course, but it can and does help in other ways.  The Trust offers support for families during serious illness or bereavement, this includes children who have lost parents.

Patron of this very worthy charity is Nick Owen.  Nick is one of those TV presenters who, because they appear on our TV screens so regularly, it feels as if we know them.  We all know he can’t resist throwing in a witty comment, at appropriate moments, earning him audible chuckles (and occasional groans) from co-presenters and studio crews.  But he also has a very serious side; as is evidenced by his patronage of this very worthy cause.  When it came to inviting a special guest for Rejoice, Nick Owen seemed a natural choice.

Nick it was then who narrated The Night Before Christmas; this well-known poem was brought to life with music, dance, and drama. The music was provided by Patricia Owen (piano), and the band, who played Paul Sharman's arrangement of a piece by Philip Lane.

There followed an appeal during which clips were shown on a large screen of some of the people involved in this Trust as well as some of those benefiting from it.  A very brief insight, yes, but enough to show what a very important role this charity is performing in lives stricken by this particular type of tragedy.

Before a collection was taken on behalf of the charity, Divisional Commander Major Samuel Edgar spoke briefly, but very poignantly, he having first-hand experience of losing not one but five family members in one tragic, fateful accident.  Of the many words one could use to describe this, none of them are adequate.  It is testament to his strong faith that he remains the happy, cheerful, positive Christian he is.

It was then the turn of the songsters.  Their first of two items was in fact a kind of two-in-one, Michael Clawson having taken a traditional English carol, The First Noel (sung), and the very popular Pachelbel’s Canon (piano and two flutes), and woven them together.  Their second piece, Great, Great Joy (Mark Hayes) was an upbeat Gospel style number with piano (Jean Black) and instrumental backing.

Commissioner Elizabeth Matear brought to us a Christmas thought, based on the theme: I’m dreaming of a ‘Right’ Christmas - a sentiment shared by everyone in the hall, I should think!

Susanne Dymott then treated us to O Holy Night (Adolphe Adam) – one of my personal favourites – and Sleep, Holy Child (John Peterson).

Major Maurice Hunt announced the total money raised for Edward’s Trust, and a cheque for the sum of £5,000 was presented to Peter Dent, who expressed his heartfelt thanks and gratitude to everyone who contributed in any way towards this excellent figure.

On with the show – though it was, sadly, drawing towards a close.  This, the penultimate item from those on stage, was titled Snow Business (the inferred title will not escape you), and the performers were the singing company, with Laura Nicholson as soloist.  Dressed appropriately for the title – coats, hats, scarves, gloves – and with some gentle choreography, they sang a medley of popular Christmas songs – Let It Snow, Sleigh Ride, Frosty The Snowman, Winter Wonderland, White Christmas – each of which has been recorded many times, by a host of artists, including Dean Martin, Bing Crosby, Andrews Sisters, and even, for those who can remember that far back, Gene Autry.  A combination of ‘simple’, sing-along type melodies and words that conjure up images of snow-scenes and log fires, sleigh bells and Christmas lights, have ensured these songs will remain ever popular at this time of year.  It’s not often that one hears them sung by such young voices, and I must say they suited each other very well.

The finale came from the band, appropriately titled Christmas Finale by Paul Lovatt-Cooper.  A well-crafted piece (as one would expect from Black Dyke’s composer in residence), which the band handled very well, despite their must have been some tired lips.  The audience – everyone in fact – joined together in the closing carol O Come, All Ye Faithful.

To the strains of Christmas music from the band, people made their way out of the hall, feeling that they had indeed been well entertained and blessed.  I have never heard any of the sections on better form. Yes, it helps (of course it does) when there is a full compliment of players/singers, but rarely is this possible in these increasingly busy days.  A lot of preparation and rehearsing had gone into this event; so, my personal thanks to everyone who was involved in the organising and planning.  Special thanks must go to John Sharman who has had overall responsibility for the organising of Rejoice for the past five years.  A big 'thank you' to everyone who took part – and I speak for every audience member at both performances, of that I am certain.  You did the corps proud, and you did the ‘Army’ proud.  You gave freely of your time – as you do all year round – and for no reward, ‘save that of knowing that you do God’s will'.

May I, on behalf of Birmingham Citadel Corps, wish all who view this site a very happy Christmas.

Words: Ian Clarke
Photos: Gordon McKee