A December to Remember

I always feel that Christmas has arrived after attending a Showcase Christmas Concert. The strong chorus and many talented soloists were all in good voice delivering a medley of traditional songs and carols alongside more contemporary numbers.

‘Bring A Little Jingle’ got the evening off to a jolly start and was followed by a most varied selection of interesting songs. It was very refreshing to hear numbers which were totally unfamiliar to me. I had never heard ‘Deck the Nutcracker Hall’ to the tune of Tchaikovsky’s ‘Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy’ nor Mozart’s ‘Jingle Bell Rondo’. Both were a real treat. ’Into the Unknown’ a most difficult duet from Frozen 2 was another engaging addition to the programme. Following the tradition of including the song used in the John Lewis Christmas advert ,we heard a very well sung ‘Can’t Fight This Feeling’. This eclectic selection of Christmas music with intricit vocal arrangements included such lively numbers as ’Santa’s Crazy Reindeer’, ‘Rejoice and Be Merry’, ‘Jingle Bells’ and the boisterous,‘All I Want for Christmas Is You’ which were sung with great gusto. These contrasted well with the more tranquil numbers including the duets ‘White Christmas’, ‘Little Drummer Boy’, ‘Peace On Earth/Do You Hear What I Hear’ and my favourite Christmas song ‘O Holy Night’. Fun numbers ‘Al I Want For Christmas’ and ‘Run Rudolph Run’ lightened the mood. All of the well chosen soloists sang with sincerity with the final ‘Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas‘ most emotive.

Each section of this diverse programme of frivolity, fun and meaningful numbers was introduced by the compere A.J. who gave some interesting background to each song as well as amusing quips about the soloists. His humour and spontaneity always go down well with an audience.

Mulled wine and Christmas pies at the interval added real Christmas cheer to this most relaxing and enjoyable concert.

As always, proceeds from the evening go to MacMillan Cancer Support, the charity Showcase has supported for 30 years and whose contribution has risen to almost £300,000. An amazing achievement by a commited, talented company who always deliver a challenging, stimulating programme. I’m sure that, like me, the audience left feeling happy and festive.

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