It’s All About The Music

Many thanks to St Leonard’s Gilbert and Sullivan Society for inviting me along to see their production of concert ‘It’s All About The Music’ at Saint Aidan’s Church Bamber Bridge on Sunday 29th October 2023. This concert is part of their annual tour whereby the St. Leonard's crew showcase and arrangement of songs within local vicinity with an ambition to raise funds for their local churches. As ever with Saint Leonard’s Gilbert and Sullivan society, I was humbled with the diverse and inclusive feel of this concert, and my hat well and truly goes off to the more senior members who smashed much energy into the gig as the younger participants, including within all the solos. 

The theme of concert was music, with each of the numbers having some sentiment towards this. The music all direction was undertaken by Merle Winstanley who did an exemplary job at orchestrating four- or five-part harmonic voices with piano accompaniment throughout, with well selected solo numbers which delivered a range of emotions and evoke a multitude of thoughts to its audience. Without going into specifics, I humbly applaud Meryl for the accessible conducting within the final number, which brought a warmth to my heart and a tear to my eyes. The full concert was accompanied by Robin Stopford, with no surprises, Robin expertly played each number with finesse and amplified each number to its fullest. 

The full choir numbers featured a cast which was some 28 strong, there was a great blend between the entire unison, truly singing as one voice. The arrangements allowed for different vocal lines to cut through and interject at certain moments throughout the songs, and these moments were a true delight to listen to. 

Solo numbers were all to an impeccable quality & the group have some outstanding talent. I could deliberate on each of the soloists in detail, but in line with my other reviews of concerts, I will stick to my key highlights and deliberate why these stood out for me. 

Kath Green sang Unexpected Song from Song & Dance. I have known Kath for many years & I am ashamed to say I have never heard her sing. I am ashamed as I had no idea, she was hiding away the voice of a nightingale. Her performance started a little nervously, & being the first soloist in the show, this is no surprise. As she settled into the song, the hairs on my arms stood on end as the tone & pitch of her voice were stunning. I still have no idea where the power note on the button of the song came from! 

Amy Hardy sang The Girl From 14G which best known as a song sung by Kristin Chenoweth and is based on a real-life experience when she first moved to New York and discovered the hazards associated with loud and noisy neighbours. As well as showcasing a stunning vocal range which shifted from classical to jazz and everywhere in between, Amy delivered this number with a characterisation which enabled wonderful storytelling which brought the song to life! 

Lorraine Edwards sang the featured part in the title song from The Sound of Music. Throughout the performance, I was drawn to Lorraine due to her investment in each number, particularly the joy which bounced from her smile within the choral numbers. During this solo, Lorraine lost that smile, which I found a shame as her voice was gorgeous & this smile would have ever so slightly brightened the tone. I think this may have been nerves as this returned when the chorus joined in the number. A great rendition of this infamous number! 

Liz Proctor sang Alexander's Ragtime Band from a musical of the same name which was a delight. The number was performed high energy & Liz truly lost herself in the characterisation. Liz’s vibrato gave a gorgeous timbre to the softer moments of the song & the distortion enhanced the characterisation & musical journey! 

Stan Pickles sang Music of the Night from Phantom of the Opera. This number stood out for me as Stan truly looked in his elements within this number & the charisma radiated from him. He chose to keep some of the higher notes down the octave, which I feel he could have reached with ease, but nonetheless, a charming rendition of the number. 

Another number notible to me was John Stopford & Peter Wirght’s amended lyric version of ‘The Beau Gendarmes’ entitled out of sync. This number was comical genius as the pair expertly sang off rhythm and off key, which is a tricky thing to do as they are obviously musically in tuned. 

The final stand-out performance I would like to call out was that from Catherine Ambler. Catherine led the final number of the show, which was a renditition of ABBA's 'Thank you for the Music.' Catherine is registered blind and is a regular member of the society. She sang the featured parts for the song gorgeously and literally brought tears to my eyes, reminding me that music and performance is for all.

Huge congratulations & to all members of this society who performed in the concert. It was a really humbling experience to watch & the comradely between the entire cast is inspiring. The fact they devote their time & energy to raise funds for their local communities is nothing short of excellence & I thank you again for the pleasure to observe such an event! 

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