Festive Fayre 2024

This annual event continues to bring loyal followers of Tettenhall Operatic Company seasonal joy in the first week of December, and once again a packed audience, seated around tables, was immersed into the festive spirit during this afternoon concert. Packed with a combined programme of upbeat seasonal songs, traditional hymns and performances of classical pieces, this concert was a very relaxed and fun event. The atmosphere was jovial and casual and the serving of delicious homemade cake, during the interval, did much to add to everyone’s delight. Carol sheets were provided, and the audience was invited to stand up and participate in the singing of three well known carols, which added to the shared,friendly, warm experience.

Whilst much of the music was familiar, it was a great pleasure to be entertained by a varied programme of different styles of music by different composers. Julian Souter did a sterling job of introducing each piece of music (and a poetry reading) in a lively fashion and filled time with anecdotes and good humour between performances. Under the guidance of Musical Director, Dr Edward Caine, different beautiful vocal arrangements captured the theme of the Christmas spirit, performed by the well-rehearsed choir ensemble, soloists and other individuals. The programme included selected festive songs, some upbeat (a few challenging), some technical, but all delivered with warm mellow tones and smiling faces which engendered happy feelings and the spirit and the magic of Christmas. Vibrant keyboard accompaniment was provided by the gifted pianist, David Easto, closely following Edd Caine’s conducting.

The formal black and white attire of both ladies and gentlemen of the choir gave this concert a sense of occasionand a degree of formality.

The concert commenced with ‘In the Bleak midwinter,’ sung with great enthusiasm by the choir, and this set the tone for the rest of the afternoon followed by a magnificent rousing number entitled ’Carol of the Bells’. Stephen Harper’s version of ‘I’ll be home for Christmas’ was pitch perfect and as a competent tenor, an experienced performer too, he captivated us. Mick and Nina Branaghan’s duet brought good cheer and following soon after a Flanders and Swann number was presented effortlessly by Julian Souter and Edd Caine. Both items offered opportunity for engaging interaction between the lines. My favourite chorus ensemble exhibited a rich and blended sound, with some individual voices resonating beautifully as they sang ’Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas’ and ‘For the beauty of the Earth’, the latter classic being especially well received and much appreciated by the audience. Vi Hurdley’s poetry reading, ’A Visit from Santa Claus’ enthralled the audience with this tale of wondermentand was projected with Vi’s usual emphatic intonation.

Following the interval and devouring of some of the nicest homemade cakes and drinks, the second half was kicked off by the chorus, singing ‘A Carol for A Wassel-Bowl, which I felt had military undertones inclusive of wonderful harmoniesand a rousing upbeat of a drum. This was a bouncy and exciting piece of music that was met with rapturous applause. Other notable pieces in this second half included ‘Gaudete!’which was a classical piece sung as a chorus ensemble teamed with individual singers projecting all-encompassing voices. There was an utterly alluring performance of ’The Age of not believing’ from Christina. Her vocal delivery conveyed emotion incredibly well as well as great control. Jane and Julian’s G and S piece ‘Beauty in the bellow’ was light and airy with lyrics well communicated through expressive dictionand rhythmic accuracy. Their cohesive delivery naturally enhanced their performance. A creditable performance too, of an Irish traditional ‘Wexford Carol’ from Sue Rogers, which held our close attention and was met with applause. Better known Christmas tunes, including ’See amid the winter’s snow’ and ’A Merry Christmas’ closed this afternoon concert and as we filed outside, exiting the church hall, there was alovely Christmassy feeling and even though there was no snow outside and it was just as grey and dismal, somehow, just a little bit of magic had been spun. Thank you for inviting me.

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