Anniversary Concert 2009, sponsored by The Co-Operative Funeral Care

Special Guests Hayley Westenra and The Black Dyke Band Principal Conductor and Musical Director Dr Nicholas J. Childs DMa. MA. FLCM. ARCM (Hons)

Govan Songsters were delighted to be part of our Gala Concert featuring Hayley Westenra and The Black Dyke Band. Even during rehearsals it was obvious that we were to be part of a wonderful evening of music making. The Brigade provided pre-concert music singing, 'God Of My Praise', 'Praise His Holy Name' and 'Great Great Morning' before leaving the stage to The Black Dyke Band under Musical Director, Dr. Nicholas Childs. The Band used the occasion to launch their new CD of Salvation Army marches and opened the concert with George Marshalls classic, 'Mighty To Save'. It was immediately apparent that the band were on sparkling form! The band then featured numbers which provided an opportunity to demonstrate their players complete mastery of their instruments with wonderful musicianship demonstrated all round the band, notably from Principal Cornet, Richard Marshall. The Band closed their first set with Paul Lovatt-Coopers wonderful 'Vitae Aeternum', and again produced a spine tingling performance of the highest calibre, particulary during the middle movement which features the song 'His Provision'. A wonderful moment! The Band then left the stage to Hayley Westenra, and it was immediately apparent why she enjoys a world wide reputation not only as a musician, but as an entertainer. Hayley's set left that Royal Concert Hall audience delighted with range and her choice of music, starting with 'Prayer' and all delivered with consumate ease, accompanied by her Musical Director Tim Evans and violinist Kerenza Peacock, with particular highlights being very lovely renditions of 'Songbird' and 'Shenandoah'. The Black Dyke Band opened the second half of the concert with 'Under Two Flags' before Principal Euphonium, David Thornton, provided an awesome display of technique and musicianship in Paul Lovatt - Coopers 'Neath The Dublin Skies' before again thrilling the audience with a wonderful display of technical brilliance coupled with musicianship from all round the stands. The Band closed their set with the finale from Saint Saens "Organ" Symphony, and what a way to close - with the bands bass section in overdrive, they provided a wonderful foundation for the band to produce a thrilling reading of this work. A buzz of expectation then descended as Miss Hayley Westenra again took to the stage with her accompanists, and produced sublime and soulful rendidtions of 'Amazing Grace', and 'Pokarekare Ana' and again a particulary highlight would have been ''Sonny" which Hayley perfomed on the piano to a dramatic effect under a spotlight on a darkened stage. The visual impact of this alone was quite enchanting and really enhanced the lonely mood of the piece. Hayley's wistful vocals were delicate and yet powerful - they emanated straight from her soul, again thrilling the audience who had travelled the length and breadth of the country to be present and witness Hayley and the Black Dyke band combining and complementing each other so beautifully to provide an evenings music of the highest calibre. Hayley was then joined by the Black Dyke Band and The Govan Songsters for 'Hine e Hine' in an arrangement provided by Paul Drury. To hear such a beautiful song, so wonderfully sung to such a setting would have been a highlight for the audience. Before leaving the stage to rapturous and well deserved appaluse, Hayley was presented with a bouquet of flowers by Singing Company member Louise Gibb. The Black Dyke Band then closed the concert with a sparkling rendition of 'Walking With Heroes' which provided a wonderful conclusion to a great evening. Govan Songsters would wish to thank all fourteen hundred members of the audience who supported the event, but particularly their guests, Miss Hayley Westenra and The Black Dyke Band for joining them for the Concert which, although final amounts have still to be confirmed, will raise several thousand pounds for the Corps community work. We would also thank the very many people who contributed to the great success of the evening, although to many to mention, your contributions are appreciated.