Review of Christmas Concert 2014

The renowned Black Country choir Voices in Harmony (VIH) held their annual Christmas Charity Concert on Saturday 13th December 2014 at Holy Trinity Church, Old Hill in the Borough of Sandwell – this year in support of Alzheimer’s Society and Mary Stevens Hospice in Stourbridge.

 A packed church enjoyed high quality music making in celebration of Christmas, VIH featuring such pieces as White Christmas, O Come Immanuel, O Holy Night and In The Bleak Midwinter. Led by Stephen Bradley and accompanied on the piano by his wife, Hilary, the choir rose to the occasion drawing extended applause from the enthusiastic audience. VIH provide a consistently high standard whenever they perform, this event being no exception.

The junior choir, Pure Harmony, thrilled folks with two and three part singing with numbers such as The Snow Begins To Fall, One Candle, and All Over The Hills. Trained and conducted by Eleanor Rushbury, and accompanied by Lis Round, these youngsters proved once again how talented they are, their quality and sound far exceeding their years.

Special guests for the evening were musicians from Flowers Championship Brass Band from Gloucester. The ensemble virtual blew the audience away with an opening fanfare from the back of the church, before taking their places at the front and enrapturing all with a delicate piece by Bach, featuring a flugelhorn solo of outstanding quality. The contribution of this fine group of musicians added so much to the programme.

The audience were challenged concerning the true meaning of Christmas, and following the joyful We Wish You a Merry Christmas, a hot drink and mince pie sent a happy audience and performers into the frosty night, having enjoyed a feast of seasonal music.