A Stourport Christmas 2019

Once again Stourport Choral presented their Christmas extravaganza, in partnership with the renowned Stourport -on-Severn Brass Band together with 21 youngsters who proudly represented and were a credit to Lickhill Primary School. It was very much as the programme described; a delightful mixture of formally arranged carols, Christmas songs and fun music.

All were invited to join in the opening number ‘Hark! the Herald’ which got everyone in the right mood and this was followed by 3 numbers from the choir, one unaccompanied followed by 3 numbers from the band including ‘O Little Town’, especially arranged by Simon Oliver. 11 boys and 10 girls from Lickhill Primary School then gave us two numbers including a very impressive rendition of an African number ‘Kusimama’ which they delivered with great enthusiasm. Part 1 was concluded with a medley of Christmas carols including; ‘O little Town of Bethlehem’ and ‘It came upon a midnight clear’.

The band opened Part 2 with ‘A Christmas Overture’ which was followed by 4 impressive unaccompanied numbers from the Choir, including a very challenging arrangement of ‘Deck the Hall’ which was superbly sung and possibly most impressive of all ‘Ding Dong! Merrily on High’, sung with great expression and power. We were then given a surprise treat by Charlie Green, who was also playing for the band, who gave us a brilliant version of ‘Have yourself a merry little Christmas’, with silky smooth voice and rich tones.

No concert could be complete without ‘Twelve Days of Christmas’ when all twelve days were depicted with props enthusiastically displayed in time with the words, by the choir and youngsters. We also had a special visit from Santa during which everyone played or sang ‘A White Christmas’ followed by ‘O Come all ye Faithful’, when all joined in once again.

Congratulations to the Brass Band who this year celebrated their 50th anniversary. Long may the partnership between Stourport Choral and the band continue, especially under the band’s musical direction of Oliver Wilson and his widely anticipated awful Christmas jokes, without which it would not be the same! I lost count but loved them all! I would also like to pay tribute to the teaching staff from Lickhill Primary School for their time and enthusiasm, enabling the youngsters to share in a great evening of celebration.

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