Festive Fayre

It’s that time of year again and once more Tettenhall Operatic Company presented their annual celebration of Christmas music and carols and this year, delivered a spectacular programme of the highest quality of musical entertainment, sprinkled with humour, smiley faces and happy voices. And, I might add ample servings of cake served up generously during the interval. It certainly was a combination of a popular mix of seasonal nostalgia and festive cheer.

Under the expert direction of Peter Smith, the choir took us on a musical journey through Christmases past and present, punctuated by readings and introductions from the master of Ceremonies, Julian Souter.

Opening the Sunday afternoon concert, the choir began with their rendition of, “Do you hear what I hear?” The song was a strong opener, with faultless harmonies, a feature in so many of their chorus numbers. The reading by Janette Clough and Vi Hurdley ,entitled, “The good will of the people,” followed and its lively delivery secured our attention and harnessed a lovely rapport with the listeners. I enjoyed every item in the programme but worthy of special mention are Lydia Goodall’s’s flawless singing of, “Cavatina,” and the magnificently sung “The Flower Duet,”with Sheila Smith.

“How sad we are,” sung by Sheila Smith and Julian Souter, injected a sense of fun in its delivery and,” Walking in the air,” was sung by Christina Cliftonso effortlessly and so beautifully, accompanied on piano by Peter Smith.

The final number in the first half was an uplifting number, “Stable Carol.” This was pacey, a challenging piece so cleverly led and coordinated by Peter Smith with chimed in rhythm maintained.

In the second half the performances were equally well polished and executed impeccably with the choir demonstrating a great awareness of each other. “The Very Best Time of the Year,” certainly warmed the soul on this cold afternoon and the ladies singing of “Santa Baby,” was jolly, light, and upbeat, as was Jane and Julian Souter’s “Naughty Cupid.” The festive note continued, “In the Bleak Mid -Winter,” led by Lydia Goodall and Stephen Harper and featuring an unaccompanied ensemble. The songs in the programme exhibited individual members own strong singing ability and showed the talent present in the company. Liam Simpkins certainly demonstrated great confidence in the “Twelve days of Christmas,” and when he waltzed with Sheila Smith, during her mesmerising singing of, “Once upon a December.” Her voice in this number was pure joy, a delight.

The good old sing along to Carols made us all feel truly Christmasified and it worked beautifully with an eclectic programme of familiar ones and a couple of gems like, “Hark the Herald.”

The only downside to what has now become an eagerly anticipated Tettenhall Christmas tradition was, in spite of the concert having being sold out, the disappointing audience figure for the Sunday afternoon performance but the icy conditions and snow on the roads explains this. It certainly didn’t prevent me from having a warm welcome. Thank you for inviting me.

 

 

 

 

 

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