WARNERS BAY THEATRE
MUSICAL DIRECTOR: LUKE BRADBERY
The program chosen was designed to instill that “Christmas Feeling” in the audience, opening with The Wonder of Christmas. White Christmas, always associated with crooner Big Crosby, followed. It was then time for the sound of bells, with Silver Bells and Swingle Bells delighting the audience. The four Movements of the Nativity Suite, Shepherds, Prophecy, Nativity and Herald emphasized the Christian story of the birth of Jesus. The Carol Sweet Rejoicing written in reggae style by Sam Creamer, provided a contrast, while “I Saw ThreeShips (Come Sailing In)” an English Christmas Carol first published in 1833, saw the Trombone Section feature.
The next number, not a traditional Christmas tune, but a popular children’s song, was The Teddy Bears Picnic, written in 1907. It would have been well-known to our senior audience. March of the Cobblers, which featured in the movie Brassed Off, followed. Jose Feliciano’s Spanish composition, Feliz Navidad (Merry Christmas), concluded the first half.
Tribute was paid to the Salvation Army as the second half opened with Paul Lovatt-Cooper’s composition, Fire in the Blood’, the title being a re-wording of the Salvation Army’s motto under their famous crest ‘Blood and Fire’. Within this composition, Paul has used three songs of worship that are prevalent in the in the Salvation Army’s Services. Band members were challenged to present this ten-minute number to the standard required. The applause of the audience indicated that they were successful.
A return to Christmas music followed, with Silent Night, the march Christmas Praise, Three for Christmas (a medley of three carols) Sussex Carol, Away in a Manger, Iris). A Gospel Christmas, Carol of the Bells, When a Child is Born and concluding the second half with The Christmas Feeling. Audience applause was rewarded by the band responding with We Wish You a Merry Christmas.
Cardiff Brass acknowledges and thanks Lake Macquarie City Council for providing financial sponsorship, which assisted in staging this Concert. The music of a brass band was presented for the citizens of this City to enjoy.
Allan Shaw
Life member
Cardiff Brass
Cardiff Brass 