Christmas Spectacular

Bamford Chapel was packed out with people eager to experience the Christmas Spectacular concert by Rochdale Phoenix Opera Society. I myself was excited because this concert always gives me a real feeling of the season, I wasn't disappointed. The chorus consisting of 17 ladies and 13 gentlemen opened with a fantastically rousing performance of "It's The Most Wonderful Time of The Year", Musical Director Jon Gibson had obviously been working very hard in the weeks leading up to the concert as there were some glorious harmonies blending through - Well done, everyone. 
Jon led us on a musical journey through some well known tunes and some not so well known tunes like "Sans Day Carol" a Cornish Traditional Carol performed by John and Anne Butterworth. The ladies of the choir performed "Angel's Carol" which is becoming much more popular, it is a favourite of mine and I would just mention for some of the ladies to be mindful of the ending of the words of the phrase they are singing - sometimes they can get swallowed into the next line.

Sue Fletcher transported us with her performance of "The Most Wonderful Birthday Of All", the audience joined in with the Ensemble to bring the first act to a close by singing "Hark! The Herald Angels  Sing" at which point everyone was ready for their cups of tea and glasses of hot mulled wine.

We returned and were once again transported by the chorus singing "Winter Wonderland" again I must compliment Jon Gibson on the harmonies placement and the chorus on their execution. The gentlemen of the chorus performed "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen " with plenty of gusto. "O Holy Night" was performed by Julie Sutcliffe. I do somewhat feel it was played a little safe and that Julie has it in her to pull out the bigger "showy" notes in that song but that's a personal opinion. The concert finale was "We Wish You A Merry Christmas " which certainly filled my guest and myself with Christmas cheer.
Were there some blips along the way? Yes, but the audience were thoroughly enjoying themselves and it didn't matter to them.

Thank you for inviting me, I look forward to seeing you all again very soon.

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