Tees Valley G&S Christmas Concert

With Choir Master David Beale as compare for the evening and accompanied on keyboard by Nicola Tayler the society’s annual Christmas Concert gave a full and varied evening, of songs old and new,  that was truly lovely.  Singers performing as full choir, duets, and with several hymns interspersed for congregational singing, and broken up with readings as comedy moments that created a great mixed programme.

Full choir songs included "Joy to the world", that was performed with lovely harmonies, and followed “Christmas Calypso” that had nice rhythm and lovely intonation; "Walking in the air", a beautiful arrangement in 4 part harmony with nice counterpoint; "A maiden most gentle" commonly known Ave Maria, that was partly sung unaccompanied, very clever parts in round and held well in tune, a song originally written for nuns in St Mary convent in York;  John Rutter song "The colours of Christmas", a delightful song that was well sung;  "The Shepherds farewell" a Hector Berlioz traditional piece with difficult harmonies; and "We need a little Christmas" from Jerry Sherman musical show “Mame” a jolly song with bright harmonies nicely sung. 

Readings were from Margaret Whitfield as she performed “Sam's Christmas pudding”; a comedy poem regarding a soldier in the Spanish war, that was lovely. 2nd reading was from David Carter “Christmas Eve in Teesside police”, a comedy account of an encounter with a driver describing his load as a “T” alliteration of toilet tissues.  Annette Simpson was delightful with her comedy reading of “Miriam and Jethro”, the shepherd and his wife visited by the angels that 1st Christmas night.

Duets were from Meika Wanjek and Adam Hegarty singing “O holy night” with nicely matched voices and lovely harmony swapping lines cleverly throughout;  "What child is this" to the tune of Greensleeves , a duet by David Beale and Debbie Hodgson that had lovely balance of voices and lovely harmony; Mike Harbisher and Anna Maria Jackson sang duet “Infant Lowly” with voices blending beautifully; and “2nd tier reindeer” excellently performed by Fran Cook and Alistair Bolton in full costumes, as a comedy song complete with dance!

A special item was the 2nd half started with Samantha Holden leading some of her patients from Reuben Manor choir as they sang “Hark the herald Angel's sing  and “White Christmas and joined in with by the congregation; a terrific and moving moment to watch them sing so happily.

A full and varied programme completed with refreshments and mince pies – a perfect start to Christmas festivities;  Well done all.

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