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17 JANUARY 2008
 The most memorable feature of the Society's January concert was the delightful, realistic orchestral sounds that ran through an excellent evening's entertainment. ROBERT DAVIES, from Mansfield, was the guest artiste responsible, along with his German Böhm instrument. Robert's wealth of experience, which includes radio broadcasts and a few years as musical director at Pontins, was evident throughout and the audience was treated to a varied selection of music to suit most tastes.
Cole Porter's 'Another Opening, Another Show' provided an apt beginning to the concert, followed by a Dionne Warwick number, 'I'll Never Love This Way Again' and a selection from 'West Side Story'. Robert continued with a recent Paul Potts' recording, 'Nella Fantasia' – an Italian song, translated as 'In My Fantasy', based on the theme 'Gabriel's Oboe' from the 1986 film 'The Mission', the music being composed by Ennio Morricone.
During the course of the evening, Robert introduced several pieces that had not previously been performed at Weyhill, one such example being titled 'It Had Better Be Tonight' by Henry Mancini, from 'The Pink Panther' film. Music from Puccini's 'Tosca' provided a Classical air to the proceedings whilst lovers of Big Band music were treated to the Barry Manilow's rarely-heard 'Singing With The Big Bands'. Another piece of film music performed was 'Colours Of The Wind' from 'Pocahontas' before a medley of Russian music.
A popular and powerful Diana Ross ballad, 'When You Tell Me That You Love Me', was followed by another ''unfamiliar' song, titled 'The Girl From Paramaribo' and Frank Sinatra's 'I've Got The World On A String'. The name of Michael Jackson did not immediately spring to mind although the next piece, 'Heal The World', was one of his compositions ... but the final selection of the first half – an Abba medley – left nobody in doubt.
The excellent and varied choice of music continued in the second half, beginning with the 'Desert March' and another dip into the pop world with Whitney Houston's 'One Moment In Time'. Welcome memories of The Carpenters and a Beatles medley were followed by 'As If We Never Said Goodbye' from Andrew Lloyd Webber's 'Sunset Boulevard' musical.
Classical music came to the fore once again with a performance of 'The Second Waltz' (Shostakovich) and the famous 'Nun's Chorus' from the Johann Strauss operetta, Casanova. Returning to the stage musicals, Robert then played a selection from Lionel Bart's 'Oliver', followed by two pieces of popular music – 'You Raise Me Up' and 'Bohemian Rhapsody'. To conclude the evening, Robert performed a few more Andrew Lloyd Webber songs and a rapid-fire version of 'Tico Tico'.
Everyone agreed it was an excellent way to start the 2008 concert programme and Robert certainly placed his name amongst the ever-lengthening list of artistes to be welcomed back to the Fairground Hall.
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21 FEBRUARY 2008
 An international flavour returned to the Fairground Hall for the Society’s February concert, when JOHANNES FREITAG, from Koblenz in Germany, was the guest performer. Johannes usually spends the summer months performing at Disneyland Paris, for corporate events, guests and visitors, but in recent years he has also made trips to the UK to appear at Organ Festivals and a few selected organ societies. In fact, immediately after his Weyhill concert he was scheduled to fly out to Las Vegas for a few concert performances.
His stated desire is to entertain his audiences, to interact with them whenever he can and to make his concerts as enjoyable as possible … and as far as his Weyhill show was concerned he certainly achieved those particular aims. From the very outset, it was obvious that a fun-filled evening was in prospect – Johannes had draped a beach towel over his organ bench and then greeted everyone individually as they arrived. The audience very quickly took to his sense of humour – a humour which contained a degree of subtlety in the style of the late Victor Borge.
The first half of the concert contained a selection of traditional British tunes, a James Last medley and a selection from Mary Poppins. It also featured a version of ‘Yours’ – a one-time hit for Julio Iglesias – Roger Whittaker’s ‘The Last Farewell’ and, by way of complete contrast, an imaginative music box item. After the interval, Johannes introduced some Bavarian music, followed by a Latin American medley which included a snappy version of ‘Tico Tico’. Inevitably, the audience was treated to a Disney selection, before a few Elvis Presley hits and some Theatre organ sounds. A speedy rendition of the ‘Can-Can’ brought the evening to a close whilst ‘American Trilogy’ provided a rousing encore.
Part of the concert was filmed for Johannes’ forthcoming DVD – a tribute to the Society which had been specially selected for the recording.
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20 MARCH 2008
 The Society’s March concert, attended by the Mayor of Test Valley, Cllr. Pam Mutton, saw the welcome return of NICHOLAS MARTIN, one of the Society’s favourite players. Indeed, since performing for the Club’s very first concert, back in July 2002, Nicholas has returned on several occasions, usually to a packed audience – just as it was in the Fairground Hall on this occasion.
In 1981, at the age of seventeen, Nick (as he is popularly known) was appointed resident organist at the Tower Ballroom Blackpool. In fact, he played at that venue, on the ‘Mighty Wurlitzer’ – just like his idol, Reginald Dixon – for seven days a week during the 1981 and 1982 seasons. From 1983 until 2004, he was resident at Turner’s, an entertainments complex in Northampton, before taking up his current position of Musical Director at Wicksteed Park, Kettering. In addition to this residency, he also finds time to perform at organ societies throughout the UK, as well as on numerous pipe organs at home and abroad.
His concert contained a wide variety of music and sounds, ranging from Puccini and Strauss to Scott Joplin, Winifred Atwell and Russ Conway. Nick also performed a selection of music from the movies (including a trio of well-known Westerns themes), a medley of dance music, some familiar marches and a couple of ‘rapid-fire’ numbers which ably demonstrated his nimble keyboard skills.
‘Something for Everyone’ would best describe the programme – and the audience response served to assure Nick that his popularity had not waned one iota since those ‘early days’. Indeed, a June coach trip to Worthing has been arranged by the Society – to attend a Wurlitzer concert performed by Nick – and the seats are already sold out!
During the interval – and on behalf of the Society – Nick presented the Mayor with a £250 cheque for her Charity Appeal.
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17 APRIL 2008
 A mere 24 hours before the April concert date it seemed likely there would be no performance, following the late withdrawal through illness of the scheduled artiste … but then, at very short notice, the situation was rescued by the amiable and enthusiastic Dutchman, DIRKJAN RANZIJN, who interrupted his UK tour and travelled down from Yorkshire specially to perform ‘for his friends’.
Dirk, as he is fondly known, had previously visited the Fairground Hall in June 2004 – a memorable, emotion-filled concert attended by a group of children from Belarus. He had also performed for the Society at the White Hart Hotel in Andover for a couple of social functions, so he was certainly not a stranger: indeed, as everyone seemed to agree, he proved to be the most popular of substitutes!
The selection of music enthralled the audience and evoked participation whenever the occasion arose. At no point during the concert did the special aura subside – such was the intensity and delight of the musical sounds emanating from Dirk’s magical Böhm instrument. All present were invited to ‘Come Fly With Me’ as Dirk took everyone on a flight of sheer enjoyment with music ranging from James Last’s ‘When The Snow Is On The Roses’ to Rodrigo’s Guitar Concerto, from Vienna in Concert to an Abba medley … not to forget selections from a few well known musicals such as ‘Grease’, ‘Les Miserables’ and ‘West Side Story’.
A DirkJan Ranzijn concert without a few strong popular ballads would be incomplete. The first half contained ‘Hey’ (Julio Iglesias) and ‘The Power of Love’ (Jennifer Rush) whilst Josh Groban’s ‘Broken Vow’ was included after the interval. Lesser known pieces to delight the appreciative audience were ‘My Life Belongs To Me’ (from the Austrian musical, ‘Elisabeth’) and ‘You’ll Be In My Heart’ (from the musical, ‘Tarzan’) with which Dirk closed the concert.
The resultant standing ovation was well deserved – not only for a tremendous evening’s entertainment but also for the last minute ‘rescue act’. Anyone absent from this concert through not being aware of Dirk’s late booking will have been extremely disappointed.
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15 MAY 2008
 The Society’s May guest was PAUL McCULLOCH, from Wallasey in Merseyside, a player whose performance was clearly influenced by his previous experiences with theatre pipe organs. Indeed, Paul can be justifiably proud of the fact that he gained the title of Young Northern Theatre Organist of the year in 1981. His likeable personality was evident throughout the concert and his choice of music provided the audience with a pleasant evening.
‘Another Opening, Another Show’ – a Cole Porter number – was a suitable piece with which to get the concert under way, and this was followed by the film theme, ‘The Ballad of Raintree County’ and a selection of songs from 'My Fair Lady'.
Erroll Garner’s ‘Misty’ and Stevie Wonder’s ‘Lately’ were set in contrast to a novelty selection; a rarely-heard Frankie Laine number, ‘I Cover The Waterfront’ was then performed, along with a Big Band medley and ‘Stardust’, in the style of Nat King Cole.
The second half took on a completely different format – as members of the audience were invited to select requests from a large bundle of music that Paul had spread out during the interval. Selections ranged from marches to musicals, from Dusty Springfield to Glenn Miller – but Paul managed to play them without hesitation. Unfortunately, time passed too swiftly and many pieces had to me omitted: nevertheless, the entertainment was wholly enjoyable.
Fittingly, the Eric Coates 'Dambusters March' concluded the evening - to commemorate the 65th anniversary of the RAF raid on the Ruhr Valley dams on 16 May 1943.
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19 JUNE 2008
 Britain’s got talent … and there is no need to ask Simon Cowell for his opinion! The performance of MARK THOMPSON at the Society’s June concert met with unanimous approval and a standing ovation. For someone as young as twenty-two to provide such an entertaining musical evening was truly remarkable and the Weyhill audience will obviously be looking forward to a return visit.
Mark, from Tyne & Wear, began playing the electronic organ from the age of seven and gained the title of ‘National Young Theatre Organist of the Year’ in 2002. He is in great demand with organ societies throughout the UK and apart from his concerts, Mark performs on keyboard two nights a week in a band and is a pianist for several operatic societies. He also likes to play the church organ when he has time and has performed the ‘Messiah’, the ‘Creation’ and other works, with various choirs … as well as having played at numerous wedding ceremonies. If that was not enough, Mark has recently completed a mathematics degree at Durham University!
The concert set off along the tracks with ‘Take The A Train’, followed by ‘Coronation Scot’, the latter accompanied by the sound of an authentic steam engine. A medley of themes from television programmes exercised a few memories in the audience whilst the theatre organ sound was selected for ‘Hooray For Hollywood’ and ‘There’s No Business Like Show Business’. Frank Sinatra’s ‘My Way’ and the ‘Pomp and Circumstance March’ added to the variation but the highlights of the first half were undoubtedly the two Winifred Attwell numbers, ‘Five Finger Boogie’ and ‘Coronation Rag’ – both performed at great speed and with amazing dexterity.
After the interval, Mark introduced a couple of marches – one being the ‘Weyhill March’ – followed by two Leroy Anderson pieces, ‘Plink Plank Plunk’ and ‘Forgotten Dreams’. A selection of show tunes preceded the violin sounds of ‘Czardas’ and a medley from ‘Les Miserables’. ‘Georgia On My Mind’ was performed in the style of a jazz sextet and a Gershwin selection brought the evening to a close … that is until Mark was encouraged back on stage for an encore – a truly emotive version of ‘Nessun Dorma’!
Talent indeed … and a concert providing such excellent value! It was certainly worthwhile forsaking the television for the evening!
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17 JULY 2008
 Another excellent attendance greeted guest performer, ANDREW VARLEY, for the Society’s July concert. Apart from performing for organ societies, Andrew – who hails from Southsea – is constantly in demand for Ballroom and Sequence Dancing, and is familiar with the Andover area, having made frequent appearances at the Royal British Legion and the Wykeham Club.
A player who always makes an effort to introduce something new into his programmes, Andrew certainly did not disappoint and his careful planning was clearly evident … even to the extent of a ‘fanfare’ opening with ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’. The first half contained a wide variety of music – from Barry Manilow and The Shadows to a James Last medley (all composed by the popular German bandleader) and a selection of light Classics. The musical entertainment was supplemented by Tony Bennett’s ‘The Good Life’ and Frank Sinatra’s ‘You Make Me Feel So Young’ – and a medley of Julie Styne compositions.
After some welcome refreshments, the mood switched to a Latin American selection, followed by a rarely-heard number titled ‘I Can Dream, Can’t I’ - a hit for Tommy Dorsey, the Andrews Sisters and, more recently, the Carpenters. A Franz Lambert recording, ‘Vila Vita’ preceded a brief friendly competition in which Andrew played five verses and challenged the audience to name the well-known respective verses; this resulted in a 3-2 victory for the audience although, sadly, no prizes were awarded!
Composer Henry Mancini was then featured, with Andrew’s arrangements of ‘The Pink Panther’, ‘Baby Elephant Walk’, ‘The Thorn Birds’ theme and ‘In The Arms Of Love’ (the latter having also been recorded by Andy Williams).
Arguably, the best music was saved for the finale … as Andrew performed a delightful version of the theme from ‘The Railway Children’, complete with authentic steam engine accompaniment (!) – followed by a haunting, atmospheric rendition of the Vangelis ‘1492–Conquest of Paradise’ (firing the imagination with ancient kingdoms and their struggle against the conquistadors).
The doors were still closed … there was no escape … so Andrew was persuaded to produce a fitting encore, namely ‘My Way’, as made famous by Ol’ Blue Eyes. Undoubtedly, Andrew’s way had met with wholehearted approval and yet another enjoyable concert evening had come to a resounding conclusion.
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21 AUGUST 2008
 Another young player performs at Weyhill – and another excellent evening is enjoyed by all! The organ circuit is certainly in good hands if the Society’s August concert was any guide, as visiting artiste, SARAH FOLEY, a talented young performer from Kingsteignton in Devon, entertained a near-capacity audience.
Sarah got proceedings off to an apt and lively start with ‘The Weyhill March’ (the Club’s adopted signature tune) and followed up with the Hebrew folk song, ‘Hava Nagila’ (‘Let Us Rejoice’), before slowing the tempo with her own version of ‘You Raise Me Up’ (a hit for Brian Kennedy, Josh Groban and Westlife). Following a selection from the musical, ‘Grease’, Sarah then provided a complete contrast with Carl Jenkins’ classical composition, ‘Palladio’.
The talents of this young performer are not restricted to the keyboards and this was so capably demonstrated when Sarah then played two pieces on her alto saxophone – ‘Undecided’ and ‘I Left My Heart In San Francisco’. The sound of bombs could be heard as she returned to her electronic organ to perform the popular march, ‘633 Squadron’, followed by a rendition of ‘Lola’, in the style and sound of the theatre organ, a jazz version of ‘42nd Street’ and a Rock’n’Roll medley.
Arguably, the highlight of the first half – appropriately ending the session – was a Latin American selection, comprising ‘Amorada’, ‘Cavaquinho’ and ‘Tico Tico’, testing Sarah’s dexterity to the full!
A big band number, ‘Moondance’ – as recorded by Van Morrison and Michael Bublé – got the second half under way, followed by the Diana Ross hit ballad, ‘If We Hold On Togther’ and a delightful Klaus Wunderlich composition, ‘Cornflakes’. Sarah then picked up her saxophone once more for a rendition of Donny Osmond’s ‘Puppy Love’, before returning to the keyboards for LeRoy Anderson’s ‘Typewriter Song’. The John Miles all-time classic, ‘Music’, made quite an impact whereas Sarah’s variations on ‘Greensleeves’ paid due tribute to the late organist, Mark Shakespeare.
Fast fingers were required once more for Billy Joel’s ‘Root Beer Rag’ and as the evening drew to a close it seemed fitting to hear ‘Nessun Dorma’ (famously associated with Luciano Pavarotti) and ‘Time To Say Goodbye’ (as recorded by Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman). ‘Reel Around The Sun’ (from ‘Riverdance) provided Sarah’s fingers with another workout to conclude the concert … but there simply had to be an encore … the Club’s popular guest being persuaded back on stage to perform a trio of patriotic songs which were certainly not out of place considering the GB Olympic successes!
Regrettably, there were no medals for Sarah – but she received the acclaim of a most appreciative audience and was able to return to Devon in the certain knowledge that she would be welcome back to Weyhill!
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18 SEPTEMBER 2008
 Welsh flags and a little of the Max Boyce spirit were in evidence at the Society’s well-attended September concert, when the guest artiste was CRAIG JAMES, from Ebbw Vale in Gwent. Even the Club’s mascot sheep were on duty to provide a ‘welcome in the hillside’ and to make their special visitor feel fully at ease!
Multi-talented Craig is Joint Musical Director for the Cwm Male Choir and Producer/Musical Director for Blaenau Gwent Young Stars Youth Musical Theatre Company. A former Musical Director of the Tredegar Operatic Society, he also enjoys performing on stage and has taken a number of lead roles in amateur productions.
With a bright and breezy selection of music, coupled with a madcap sense of humour and a few dubious anecdotes, Craig maintained a happy atmosphere throughout the evening and his popular catchphrase ‘Are you excited?’ ensured a good rapport with the audience.
Appropriately enough, the concert began with ‘Sospan Fach’, followed by a Demis Roussos number, ‘Forever And Ever’, a George Gershwin dance medley and the popular ‘Intermezzo from Cavalleria Rusticana’ (Mascagni). ‘Whispering Grass’ was performed in Big Band style and ‘Desperado’ – a 1973 hit for The Eagles – provided further contrast, before Craig’s vocal abilities were displayed with ‘Have You Met Miss Jones?’ (Craig explained that he had met hundreds of them – just in his own street!).
The programme continued with ‘Somethin’ Stupid’ (Frank and Nancy Sinatra) and a Traditional Jazz version of ‘Five Foot Two, Eyes Of Blue’, followed by the evocative theme from the great western film ‘Once Upon A Time In The West’ (Ennio Morricone). The first half was concluded with a selection of music featuring the sounds of Blackpool Tower’s Mighty Wurlitzer and Craig’s own version of Tico Tico, complete with steel band, drums and whistles!
After the interval, Craig performed a 1982 Pointers Sisters’ hit which could have been written specially for him – ‘I’m So Excited’ – followed by ‘Sway’ in Rumba time and Disney’s ‘When You Wish Upon A Star’. The audience joined in with a World War 2 Sing-along before Craig again demonstrated his vocal talents with a fine interpretation of Elton John’s ‘Your Song’.
The challenging jazz number ‘Take Five’ (Dave Brubeck) was confidently performed, whilst ‘Misty’ strongly featured piano and saxophone. Arguably, the best had been saved until the end as Craig produced a rousing version of ‘Music’ (the classic 1976 hit for John Miles). An encore was inevitable – for which the popular march, ‘Aces High’ (from the film ‘Battle of Britain’) was selected.
It was indeed another thoroughly enjoyable occasion: as Max Boyce would have said … “I know, ‘cos I was there”!
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16 OCTOBER 2008
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The Society ‘took to the roads’ by staging its October concert at The Lights theatre and the event was acclaimed as a great success. With singer/comedian, Andy Oakley, joining the Keyklix duo, Ian Griffin and Richard Bower, the evening was more of a cabaret show than a traditional concert … but nobody was complaining! The KEYKLIX KLAN had hit town!
Every aspect of the show seemed to meet with wholehearted approval of the audience, which included Cllr. Brian Page and his wife Dorothy, Mayor and Mayoress of Test Valley. The uncanny, almost telepathic, keyboard combination of Ian and Richard, with their brilliant orchestrations, together with Andy’s fine voice made for some top class music, whilst Andy’s brand of humour evoked tears of laughter throughout the auditorium.
Keyklix opened the show with a Latin American number, ‘Amor’, followed by the Bette Midler ballad, ‘The Rose’ and Don Gibson’s country song, ‘Oh Lonesome Me’ ….. before Andy strode onto the stage, singing ‘Achy Breaky Heart’ (Billy Ray Cyrus). The quality of his voice was clearly evident with his rendition of ‘Love Changes Everything’ (from ‘Aspects of Love’) and then, by way of introducing his comedy routine, he performed the amusing song, ‘Murphy and The Bricks’. A Matt Monro medley concluded the first half, providing the audience with a little relief from Andy’s non-stop plethora of jokes and repartee!
Ian and Richard resumed their invaluable contribution after the interval – an Abba medley followed by the popular Jane McDonald hit, ‘This Is The Moment’, and a swing version of ‘The Lady Is A Tramp’, involving a wide range of sounds. Andy soon returned to the stage and persuaded the audience to join him in the catchy number ‘Amarillo’ before again demonstrating his vocal talents with ‘If Tomorrow Never Comes’ (a hit for both Garth Brooks and Ronan Keating).
It was the turn of Keyklix once more – with Eric Clapton’s ‘Lay Down Sally’ – but the respite was brief. Back came Andy, complete with cloak and makeshift mask, to perform ‘Music of The Night’ from ‘Phantom of the Opera’ ….. in a Brummy accent! Ian and Richard restored sanity with an incredible version of Neil Diamond’s ‘America’ (from ‘The Jazz Singer’) – but back came Andy, this time in the guise of Pavarotti’s brother! However, once the initial laughter had subsided, his superb rendition of ‘Nessun Derma’ received tremendous applause.
Sadly, the evening was coming to a close. Keyklix performed ‘River Deep Mountain High’ (a 60s hit for Ike and Tina Turner) and accompanied Andy in Frank Sinatra’s ‘My Way’. To shouts of ‘more’, the trio returned and Andy became ‘Elvis’ for a few minutes to conclude with ‘The Wonder of You’.
The blend of music and comedy had obviously diverted a few minds from economic concerns but, on a sadder note, perhaps a few ribs had been damaged? Nevertheless, the Society’s reputation for providing low cost, top class entertainment can only have been enhanced and, with two more concerts being staged at The Lights in 2009, it is hoped that the level of support will be maintained.
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20 NOVEMBER 2008
 The Society’s followers were undeterred by any global economic concerns and, as a consequence, the Fairground Hall was completely full for the November concert, featuring the youngest player to perform for the Club, IAN HOUSE, from Bristol.
Born in 1989, Ian has played keyboards since the age of seven and in 2003 he won the National Young Theatre Organist of the Year competition, staged by the London Chapter of the American Theatre Organ Society. He has already made several overseas appearances – having performed in the USA and in Holland, from where he had recently returned, following a successful concert engagement.
The concert was notable for the wide variation of music and tempo and the quality seemed to get better and better as the evening progressed. Ian’s selections included ‘That’s All’ (Frank Sinatra) and ‘Just The Way You Are’ (Billy Joel) – these two pieces were followed by ‘Somewhere Out There’ (from the film, ‘American Tail’). A Big Band selection preceded Enya’s ‘Watermark’ and, continuing the Irish flavour, ‘Lord of The Dance’ set the toes tapping.
The Anthony Newley ballad ‘What Kind of Fool Am I’ slowed the tempo, along with ‘Colours of the Wind’ (from the film, ‘Pocahontas’), before the music livened up once more with the ‘Raiders March’ (John Williams) and an exciting version of ‘Canadian Capers’ to end the first half.
The interval was followed by the beautiful Intermezzo from ‘Cavalliero Rusticana’ (Mascagni) and, by way of contrast, a Latin American medley. Ian then displayed his inventive capabilities with some clever variations on ‘Chopsticks’ – including Viennese, Bavarian and Caribbean Steel Band styles! ‘Dance of the Comedians’ (from ‘The Bartered Bride’) was followed by ‘Fly Me To The Moon, with the Hammond sound, and to round of the evening, another lively toe-tapper – ‘Riverdance’. After such a great concert, an encore was inevitable – and Ian duly obliged with another Latin American selection. A return visit to Weyhill is undoubtedly assured for this young talented performer!
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18 DECEMBER 2008
Review to follow ... |
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