Sounds Like Christmas

This is the third time IODS have performed these Christmas Concerts at this beautiful church and which I have been privileged to see.  The ever changing lighting effects shining up on the massive stained glass east window, nave roof and column archways were impressive and added to the atmosphere to enhance the differing moods of the songs.  

The aim of this year’s concert, as it was so near to Christmas, was to ensure everyone went home filled with the festive spirit.  The production team of Stephanie, Owen and Bridget  had certainly  found lots of Christmas  songs  covering all the emotions.   When putting together the programme, it is evident that some songs are just made for certain singers; their voices all so different,  yet complimenting the songs so perfectly.  There were some wonderful musical arrangements  by Mike Wren, Andrew Burke, Ashley Betts and Therese Miller . Therese had also composed  and written one of the songs, ‘When the Sun Goes Down on Christmas Eve’ which she premiered , with the full Company and  her as  the soloist. It was just beautiful.

The  evening  was opened  with the full Company  singing ‘In the Bleak Midwinter’ and ‘Happy Holiday’ sung  by  Martin Leigh.  We were treated to some beautiful solos from Lesley Rawlinson with a lovely clear voice,  Tom Mayhew,  Michael Hayward Smith,  Bridget Jackaman,  Ashley Hewitt and  also Stephanie Brown with a delightful version of ‘Merry Christmas Darling’. There were tender songs, comedy songs  and a powerful uplifting song from the full company of ‘We are the World'.  Owen Berry  was excellent with his version of  ‘Christmas Waltz’  with some beautiful backing accompaniments.  The boys did a joyful  version of ‘Come and See What's Happening in the Barn’;  'Bethlehem' certainly raised the roof  and finally  a rousing Pop Selection from the Company.

James Hayward  was compere for the evening and found some more of his inevitable Christmas cracker jokes.   Mike Wren  had done a superb  job  as usual, in bringing out  the  very best in all these talented singers, with some brilliant harmonies;  and he had even picked up his saxophone to join the band with some solos in a couple of numbers.  The five piece band accompanied the singers perfectly and the sound levels were excellent, both with the soloists and the full company numbers.

 IODS you certainly succeeded in spreading  a Christmas  mood throughout your audience.  A most enjoyable evening.  Thank  you.

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