Christmas Concert

It was a freezing, icy evening outside, but a lovely warm welcome inside Bamford Chapel from Rochdale Phoenix Opera Society. The cup of tea which was offered virtually as I stepped in the doorway was very much appreciated, thank you Front of House Team. The concert started on time and from the very off there was attack from the choir, each opening note was hit with conviction, head on with no hesitation, all eyes were directed towards Musical Director Jon Gibson, nobody was distracted by his flashing Santa hat, he kept the pace bouncing along ably accompanied on piano by Edward Rigg.

 
"Once In Royal David's City" was the opening Carol, the harmonies throughout were strong but not overpowering, there was balance and control. It was followed by " Do You Hear What I Hear?" which had a lovely strong finish as well as a beautifully committed start. Greta Shellard treated us to a melodious reading from "The Wrong Boy" by Willy Russell, projection and enunciation was good, delivery pace was excellent, the content was relevant - it being about a young boy from Failsworth who wanted to play the Virgin Mary in the school nativity. I won't spoil it but by all means go and read it, it's very funny, I'm ordering the book!

 
We galloped along with some more carols which allowed the choir to show off vocally, there were smiles in the joyous ones which came through audibly in their voices. A standout for me was "Carol of the Bells", delivery was flawless, timing excellent, enunciation great. The interval was also still very much part of the production with ambient temperature mulled wine and mince pies appearing, the whole feeling was festive .

The second half was as full and varied as the first half and there was no let up on the attack, it was an absolute joy to listen to. "The Candlelight Carol" had a lovely swell of sound that at no point was harsh or overpowering. Gwen Hallas-Frederich performed "Little Road To Bethlehem", she sang with such feeling ,she connected with the audience and told the story, her tone was lovely, there was no sliding up to notes or down to notes, diaphragmatic breathing was evident, vowels were rounded, every single "t" sound was in place and audible and the audience thoroughly enjoyed her performance.

The choir closed the concert with "We Wish You A Merry Christmas ", it was rousing, jolly and left us warm and fuzzy inside, ready to face the winters cold outside.

Thank you, Rochdale Phoenix Opera Society for your wonderful hospitality and for spreading your glorious Christmas cheer. I look forward to seeing you all again very soon. 

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