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| Santa's cheeky helpers !!♥ |
By Susan Walker
Twenty-six years can
be a long time or a short time depending on what one is alluding to. However, when it refers to the number of
years the ESK COMMUNITY CHOIR has been bringing the sounds of Christmas to
audiences in the Somerset Region, then time is of little consequence for
according to many who attended this year's Family Christmas Variety Concert at
the Somerset Civic Centre on Sunday December 4th, these are Concerts by a Choir
which, like fine wine, just seem to improve with the years.
Making their Esk
Christmas Concert return were Iain Mclean's sensational 'Strings & Things'
whose stirring anthems thrilled alongside the purity of sound from soprano
Hettye Van Wyk and her accompanist, Mary Mosses as well as the airily dulcet
tones of Sharelle Guest's flute.
Concert goers packed
the Auditorium to enjoy those things which touch each one of us at this time of
the year; the traditions, the sights and sounds of the season, special times
with family and friends and to celebrate in song with an exceptional line-up of
talent.
Making their Esk
Christmas Concert return were Iain Mclean's sensational 'Strings & Things'
whose stirring anthems thrilled alongside the purity of sound from soprano
Hettye Van Wyk and her accompanist, Mary Mosses as well as the airily dulcet
tones of Sharelle Guest's flute. 
Though the Choir made a good fist of their
oral Aussie style execution of ' 'Twas
the Night Before Christmas', it could not collate with the brilliance of
poet, Ian Mackay whose eloquence had audience members straining for more. A showcase of exuberance and burgeoning
talents, the songs sung by The Semitones never fail to put
smiles on faces as did this year's items
by Adam
Smith's school Choir and Band who gave a dazzling performance.
Exceptional was the
return to the 'Phantom' stage for Choir members, Kathleen, Roger and Eric as
they revived some of the 2016 memories with their re-enactment of 'Prima
Donna' and with excerpts from the beloved musical 'My
Fair Lady' the stunningly costumed
Esk Ensemble was simply outstanding.
Alongside 'Strings
& Things' and the sublime accompaniment by Choir accompanist, Margaret
and flautist, Suzanne, the finale was a collaboration of choral and
instrumental bringing the spirit of
Christmas to concert goers through some adored Christmas Carols. Following
gracious wishes for a safe and joyous Christmas conveyed by Choir Director,
Alexis FitzGerald, both audience and artists converged around the colourful
afternoon tea tables to celebrate the fellowship that music inspires.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
We look forward to sharing the joy of music
with you again
with you again
in 2017
Our absolutely wonderful Democratic Esk Community Choir in all its glory , see us in September with Selections From Gilbert and Sullivan , bound to be FABULOUS.Bob.
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