Milnrow Brass Band Annual Christmas Concert

Milnrow Band

Milnrow Cricket Club was packed to capacity for the Annual Christmas Concert given by local Champion Section Milnrow Brass Band.

Under Musical Director Mark Bentham the band provided an evening of popular seasonal music, in which the audience was encouraged to vocally participate.

The programme deviated from the normal by not commencing with a traditional overture, the band opening up instead with Prokofiev's 'Troika' (Sleigh Ride). Every item which followed this slick opening number was ideal for a celebratory evening with which to kick start the Christmas festivities.

Items included in the first half of the programme were all well-known and served to enhance the feeling of wellbeing and enthusiasm of the audience, from Leroy Anderson's 'Christmas Festival', Derek Ashmore's 'Christmas Singalong' and Slade's 'Merry Christmas Everybody', to 'Jingle Bells' and 'Santa Claustrophobia'.

The somewhat unusual 'Stop the Cavalry' was also included, loosely based on Swedish Rhapsody No1 this item peaked at number three in the UK singles chart in 1980 and was recorded by Jona Lewis in 1982

Some traditional carols in which those present were in good voice brought us to the interval.

After a well-earned break, the band continued with an awesome rendition of 'Dance of the Tumblers' from Rimskykorsacov's 'Snow Maiden'. An opera in four parts Snow Maiden had its first performance in 1882.

Very popular with the audience was 'Let It Go' from the recent Disney animated film 'Frozen'.

'Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer', 'Sleigh Ride' and the ever popular 'White Christmas' and carols preceded the two final items of audience participation, '12 Days of Christmas' and 'Schneewaltzer'.

Musical Director Mark Bentham expressed his admiration for such a receptive audience, gave a potted history of the band's accomplishments of 2015 and thanked Milnrow Cricket Club, members and committee for once again allowing use of their facilities for the band's annual Christmas Concert.

A raffle was held in aid of band funds with John Smith, band Vice Chairman, distributing the numerous prizes available.

The curtain call item for the evening was 'We Wish You a Merry Christmas'.

A spokesperson for the band said: "Milnrow Band, officials, committee and members send season's greetings to all their supporters and wish them a prosperous and healthy 2016.